Russian RDG-5 grenades in both blasts
Evidence found at the scene of bomb attacks on the anti-government protests in Banthad Thong Road and the Victory Monument on Friday and Sunday has revealed the type of explosive used.
Experts say in both cases it was a Russian-made RDG-5 grenade, suggesting the attackers may be from the same group.
RDG stands for Ruchnaya Granata Distantsionnaya in Russian or “Distance Hand Grenade” or “Time-delayed Hand Grenade” in English. It is a post-World War II Soviet anti-personnel fragmentation grenade and was in service by many Russian “client” countries.
Local police have offered no other clue to the source of the bombs used in the attacks.
Experts say it is not an easy explosive to use and only well-trained people can throw it safely as it goes off in four seconds after its pin is released. “Unless the thrower is well trained, the bomb could explode in the air and hurt him,” an official said.
The grenade can inflict injuries up to 15 metres from the site of the detonation. Victims caught within 3 metres of the blast site are almost certain to be severely wounded.
RELATED