A parcel bomb exploded at a police academy in Buenos Aires, injuring three officers
On Friday, a serious security incident occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when a suspicious package exploded inside the Higher School of the Gendarmerie, injuring three police officers. The Ministry of National Security confirmed the details of the incident in an official statement, noting that it took place at a sensitive security facility located just meters from the government headquarters.
According to details in the statement, the explosion occurred while officers were attempting to handle a package that had been received several months earlier and stored at the college. As they began to open it, the explosive device inside detonated. Two officers sustained burns and were transported to the hospital for treatment, while a third officer was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Security alert and immediate measures
Immediately following the explosion, authorities imposed a tight security cordon around the area and closed the streets surrounding the college to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Several nearby residential buildings were also evacuated as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Specialized bomb disposal teams were deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough sweep of the building and ensure there were no other explosive devices, while investigators began collecting evidence from the site.
Background of the incident and its security context
This attack comes at a time when Argentina's security forces face multiple challenges. The National Gendarmerie (Gendarmería Nacional) is a militarized security force with vital responsibilities including border protection and combating organized crime and terrorism, making its facilities symbolic targets for extremist groups or criminal organizations seeking to challenge state authority. While Argentina has not experienced large-scale attacks in recent years, the country has a history of political violence and terrorist attacks, most notably the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, which has kept security forces on constant alert.
Importance and expected effects
Locally, this incident raises serious questions about the security protocols in place for handling packages and mail arriving at government and security institutions. It is expected to lead to a comprehensive review and tightening of these procedures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. It also highlights the loopholes that could allow a suspicious package to remain inside a security facility for months without being examined. More broadly, targeting a police academy sends a clear message of defiance to the state and raises concerns about the resurgence of local violent cells. The local newspaper, La Nación, reported that the package was addressed to a former director of the academy, who was among the injured, which may help investigators determine the motives behind the attack and those responsible.
