Thursday, 11 January 2026 | Dubai, UAE [Posted at 8:38 pm] | updated at 09:00 pm
Canberra Explosives: A serious public safety alert has shaken Australia’s capital after nearly a dozen pipe bombs were discovered across public spaces in Canberra. The authorities have confirmed that 11 explosive devices were found in the footpath and park areas of Lake Ginninderra in Canberra’s northwest, with some of the bombs already detonated before being discovered.
What Happened in Canberra?
According to ACT Policing, a member of the public found the device first earlier this week. Since then, police have located multiple pipe bombs scattered along a 1-kilometer stretch of footpath between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive in the Belconnen area.
Key details confirmed by police include:
- 11 pipe bombs found over two days
- Some devices were intact, while others were partially destroyed
- No injuries have been reported so far
- No property damage has been confirmed
- The incident is not being treated as terrorism
Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski described the situation as extremely serious due to the dangers posed by explosives in public spaces.
She said, “Any explosive is dangerous. An explosive in a public place does raise a lot of concern for police.”
What do the Canberra pipe bombs look like?
ACT Police released images to help the public identify the suspicious items. The devices described are as follows:
- Silver pipe-shaped objects
- Fitted with screw caps on both ends
- Small enough to fit in a person’s hand
- Some appear to have a fuse protruding from one end
Police believe the devices might have been left in the area for some time, but it remains unclear who placed them and why.
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Police Warning: Do NOT Touch
Authorities have issued clear instructions to the public, which are especially important for tourists and residents. You should follow the steps mentioned below:
- Do not touch it
- Do not move it
- Do not take it to a police station
- Do not try to enter
- Stay away or be at a safe distance
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
Wronski said, “We want members of the public to call triple-zero immediately ”.
Sniffer dogs have also been deployed to search for additional devices. However, police say there is no current need to avoid the area.
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Why This Matters for UAE Citizens and Tourists in Australia
Australia is a popular country for UAE tourists, students, business travellers, and families, as it is popular for its open public spaces, parks, and relaxed urban lifestyle. The Canberra explosives discovery is a reminder that even in countries considered very safe, unexpected security incidents can occur.
For UAE citizens visiting or planning to visit Australia, this incident highlights a few important points:
- Public alertness is important, especially in parks, lakesides, and walking trails.
- Suspicious objects should never be touched, even if they appear harmless.
- Emergency response systems in Australia rely heavily on public reporting, similar to UAE safety protocols.
- Tourists should stay updated with local alerts and police advisories.
Australian authorities have stressed that there is no ongoing threat and no injuries have been reported. However, it reinforces the importance of situational awareness, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local emergency numbers and procedures.
If you are travelling to Australia, knowing how to respond calmly and correctly in such situations can make a crucial difference.
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Investigation Ongoing
ACT Policing has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and they have not ruled out the possibility of more devices being found. Yet, officials highlighted that there is no sign that similar explosives have appeared elsewhere in Canberra.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to report anything suspicious without delay. Stay informed. Stay alert. And if you see something unusual, report it immediately.
FAQs
1. What are the Canberra explosives found in public areas?
The Canberra explosives refer to 11 pipe bombs discovered along footpaths and park areas near Lake Ginninderra in Canberra’s northwest. Some devices were found intact, but others had already detonated before police arrived.
2. Were any people injured in the Canberra pipe bomb incident?
No. ACT Policing has confirmed that no injuries or property damage have been reported because of the explosive devices.
3. Is the Canberra explosives incident linked to terrorism?
No. Australian police have clearly stated that the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism. Investigations are ongoing to determine who placed the devices and why.
4. What should people do if they find a suspicious object in Canberra?
Do not touch or move the object
Keep a safe distance
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
Avoid taking the item to a police station
5. Is it safe for UAE tourists to travel to Canberra right now?
Yes. Authorities have said there is no ongoing threat to the public or tourists, and no areas have been closed. However, visitors are advised to stay alert and follow local safety instructions.
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