CHICAGO: Two deadly package bomb attacks in 10 days in the US city of Austin were likely linked, police announced on Monday, warning residents to avoid opening suspicious items left at their doorsteps.

The latest attack took place on Monday morning in the Texas state capital, killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring an adult female living in the same home.

Another explosive package left on March 2 at the doorstep of another home in the city claimed the life of a 39-year-old man.

“We do see similarities and believe that these cases are linked at this time. However, we don’t know what the motive for these cases may be,” Austin police chief Brian Manley told a news conference.

The house in Monday’s attack sustained significant damage, according to Manley, who said investigators from several agencies would be combing through the property for clues.

While he did not release details of what evidence was recovered, he said investigators knew the type of explosive device used.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2018