Fountain Plaza bombing

Fountain Plaza bombing
Rescue workers searching rubble for trapped survivors.
Location	Agalore, Aerla
Date	1733.14 AN
Attack type	Bombing
Weapon(s)	IEDs
Deaths	23
Injured	85
Perpetrator(s)	People's Revolutionary Armed Forces

The Fountain Plaza bombing was a terrorist attack that took place in late 1733 AN when an bomb was detonated in an alleyway close to Fountain Plaza in Agalore, Aerla, resulting in the deaths of 23 and the wounding of a further 85. The attack was carried out by the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces, an armed breakaway of the People's Revolutionary Communist Party of Aerla in response to the sentencing of PRCPA's leader Constantine Veracek to a 20 year prison sentence for sedition,

Attack

At roughly 4:00 PM CMT+5, a bomb detonated in an alleyway connected to Fountain Plaza, a public square in Agalore known for its many tourist shops and cafes. The bomb itself was placed inside of a metal trashcan behind a small pharmacy. The bomb collapsed the building and damaged several nearby structures. The blast immediately killed two teenage boys who were walking through the alley at the time of the explosion. The resulting collapse of the nearby buildings caused a further 21 deaths and 88 injuries.

First responders arrived at the scene approximately a minute after the blast. Rescuers were able to commandeer construction equipment from a nearby building site to search the debris for trapped survivors.

Perpetrators

In a video uploaded roughly 3 hours after the attack, a masked spokesperson for the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces claimed the bombing as a part of a "class war" against the Aerlan state and as an act of revenge for the sentencing of PRCPA leader Constantine Veracek to a 20 year prison sentence. They also warned that if Veracek wasn't granted amnesty, there would be "countless more attacks to come..."

Domestic Reactions

Government Response

The following day, the National Assembly passed a resolution to declare the PRAF a terrorist organization. The city of Agalore declared a week-long state of emergency and period of mourning following the attack. The President of Aerla, Basil Fitzroy, spoke in a public address denouncing the attacks as "cowardly, foolish, and unacceptable" and offered his thoughts and prayers to the victims families, and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

PRCPA Response

The interim leader of the PRCPA, James Lewiston, denounced the attack. Lewiston was a noted moderate, preferring a legitimate rise to power via democratic means rather than an armed struggle. He also stated that, in a phone call he had with Veracek, stated that the latter "had no interest in the bombing of the innocents."

Lewiston would go on to expel Pachad and several of his associates from the PRCPA in response to the attack.

International Reactions

•  Floria: Floria condemmend the bombings and President Hutchinson immediatly declared People's Revolutionary Armed Forces as a terrorist organisation.
•  Nouvelle Alexandrie: Secretary of State Morissa Baumann condemned the terrorist attack in Agalore, Aerla, and pledged comprehensive support to help the Aerlan government address the aftermath. It was also announced that Nouvelle Alexandrie would provide emergency response teams and medical aid, in addition to designating the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces as a terrorist organization.
•  Natopia: Natopia expressed its vehement condemnation of the Fountain Plaza bombing and extended its condolences to the victims. The Natopian government has offered to send forensic experts to assist Aerla in the investigation and promised financial assistance would be available for rebuilding the affected community areas.
•  Oportia: Federal Representative Galilea Montijo strongly condemned the attack, labeling it "a cruel act against humanity". Oportian officials announced the provision of humanitarian aid and even counseling services to support the victims and their families, underscoring their commitment to stand with Aerla in the fight against terrorism.
•  Normark: A communique issued by the Kingdom of Normark declared membership of the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces on or after the date of 24.XV.1733 AN to be a criminal offence for which the offender would be liable to a period of ten years penal servitude. The condolences of His Majesty were conveyed to the government of Aerla in a private audience for that country's ambassador.