Bulgaria increases security throughout country after Burgas attack

Delyan Dobrev, the Bulgarian minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, said security measures have been increased at all the hotels in the country currently hosting Israeli guests, the Bulgarian news agency Sofia reported on Thursday.

According to Dobrev, security was increased 10 to15 minutes after the attack in Burgas, which has claimed the lives of six people — five Israelis and their Bulgarian bus driver, and injured more than 30 others. The minister added that approximately 1,000 Israeli tourists are currently in Bulgaria, and that no foreign tourists have canceled their reservations as a result of Wednesday’s tragic events.

On Thursday morning, a suspicious piece of luggage was discovered at the airport in Varna, Bulgaria, approximately 117 kilometers (75 miles) north of Burgas. The suitcase was found on a bus with a Burgas license plate that was carrying Jewish tourists, according to Sofia.

Police had the passengers leave the bus and cordoned off a radius of 10 kilometers (6 miles) while they checked the suspicious suitcase. After 20 minutes, authorities determined that there was no danger, and they allowed the bus to continue.

Sofia reports an increased police presence in Varna, with police officers stationed every 20 meters (65 feet) inspecting all incoming vehicles.