According to sources close to the investigation, the two pistols -a German Sig Sauer 9mm and a Browning 9mm- seized during the arrests in Valencia city centre last week of ETA terrorist suspects, Mikel Orbegozo and Sara Majarenas, had never been used by the gang before.
Mikel Orbegozo was arrested in the street after a brief police chase moments after his accomplice had been arrested inside the Tartessos hostel where the couple were staying. He was found in possession of the Browning which he reportedly brandished at his pursuers, but did not fire. The other weapon was found hidden among the couple's belongings along with a quanity of explosives.
ETA have not used side arms in any attacks perpetrated since the 8th February 2003 when the chief of police for the town of Andoain (Guipozcoa) and prominent "Basta Ya" activist, Joseba Pagazaurtundua, was shot in the head at point blank range several times by one of two as yet unidentified gunmen.
Valencia arrests: attacks planned on army officer and police station Friday, February 18, 2005
According to anti-terrorist police sources, the two ETA suspects arrested in a Valencia city centre hostel yesterday were planning to murder an army Lieutenant Colonel with a car bomb, and blow up a police station. Among documents seized during the raid, was a list of "priority targets" which included Valencia lady mayoress, Rita Barbera. It seems that the attack on the army officer was scheduled for this Saturday.
The identities of the two detainees have been confirmed as Mikel Orbegozo Etxaniz (San Sebastián, 1969) and Sara Bajaena Ibarreta (San Sebastián, 1980).
Two armed ETA terrorists seized in Valencia Thursday, February 17, 2005
National Police officers raided a hostel near Valencia Town Hall this morning and arrested two ETA terrorist suspects who seemed set to launch an attack. The area surrounding the Town Hall has been cordonned off and the economy tourist hostal on the calle de la Sangre, where the arrests were made (photo), has been evacuated while police bomb squad conduct a thorough search.
Two hand guns and a quantity of explosives -including one completed bomb, 350g of Titadine explosive with which to make a second device of similar proportions, and four detonators- have been found so far.
Interior minister, Jose Antonio Alonso, who is on official business in Morocco, told journalists that the terrorist organisation has the capability to strike "anytime, anywhere."
