July 3 (UPI) — Portugal’s Defense Minister José Azeredo Lopes said a gang of thieves broke into a military warehouse and stole weapons, explosives and ammunition.
The thieves stole anti-tank grenades, plastic explosives and more than 1,400 rounds of ammo from the Tancos military complex, which is about 60 miles northeast of Lisbon, Azeredo Lopes said. The theft was discovered on Wednesday.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has called for a full investigation. The El Español outlet reported 150 hand grenades, 44 anti-tank grenades, 18 tear gas canisters, 264 pieces of plastic explosives and 1,450 9mm cartridges of ammunition were stolen.
“There should be no doubt that this needs to be investigated all the way to the end when it comes to facts and responsibilities,” Rebelo de Sousa said on Monday.
Portuguese outlets report the complex’s security video cameras have not worked for two years. Portuguese authorities alerted NATO allies of the incident.
The Portuguese Defense Ministry has suspended five military commander amid an investigation. Azeredo Lopes described the theft as a “very professional” serious security breach.
“Whoever stole the weapons knew what was in the stores,” Portuguese Army chief of Staff Gen. Frederico Rovisco Duarte said. “When they chose the two stores … which aren’t the closest ones to the entrance, conclusions have to be drawn.”
