A suicide bomber targeted a bus carrying Israeli tourists July 18 outside an airport in Burgas, Bulgaria, killing himself, at least six passengers and the driver of the bus. Though authorities have not yet confirmed the bomber's identity, Bulgarian news outlets have reported that a Swedish Islamist carried out the attack. If true, the bomber's identity could contradict accusations from the Israeli government that Iran was responsible for the attack. According to media reports, surveillance camera footage gathered by Bulgarian authorities showed the bomber waiting for a flight full of Israeli tourists. When the Israelis arrived at the airport, the operative apparently followed them to waiting buses. As the tourists were loading their luggage into the compartment under the bus, the operative detonated the bomb concealed in his backpack. Most of the damage to the buses appears to be fire damage caused after the initial blast. This attack comes after at least six other plots in 2012 targeting Israelis abroad. Israeli and local authorities from Cyprus to Thailand have uncovered or witnessed plots and attacks against Israeli targets. The previous attacks have eventually linked back to Iran, so it was not surprising that Israel immediately blamed Iran for the Burgas attack. The revelation that the bomber may actually be a Swedish citizen and militant Islamist does not necessarily mean Iran was not involved, as he may have been recruited to simply deliver the device to the Israeli bus.
