Investigators are searching for the individuals responsible for detonating two bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing at least three people, including an eight year old, and injuring scores of others.

Commenting on events, Alexia Ash, head of North America Forecasting at Exclusive Analysis, said these Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks were likely intended to cause mass casualties rather than aimed at specific individuals or property.

“The scale of the attack, coupled with the fact there has been no claim of responsibility indicates that this was likely the work of an individual or a small group,” she says. “There is no evidence that this was a suicide attack. The incident demonstrates that the individual or group responsible has achieved effective operational security and developed the capability to construct several small but effective IEDs.

“While the motivation for the attack is as yet unclear, the location of the explosive devices in the crowd at the finish line and, if confirmed, the presence of devices that failed to detonate indicate that the intent was to cause mass casualties rather than targeting specific individuals or assets,” says Ash.

Ash added that the scale and nature of the attack was consistent with their assessment of the intent and capabilities of the terrorist threat in North America: either Sunni-extremists looking to cause mass casualties or far-right domestic groups and individuals in protest against the government.

“We assess that the risk of IED and shooting attacks against crowds of individuals and government assets is elevated. The increase in security, not just in Boston but in other major cities, will however mitigate the risk of further attacks in the coming days,” Ash concluded.

Crisis management assistance company, Red24, is advising clients in Boston to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and to defer travel to the affected area.

It is also warning clients in the US to exercise particular caution in the vicinity of government buildings, security installations, major transport hubs, foreign diplomatic missions, Western interests, high-profile hotels and crowded public areas.

Individuals planning travel in the US are advised to anticipate disruptions to road, rail and air transport services due to the increased security measures.

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