'J'lem terror attack doesn't represent a move backwards'

Police chief Cohen: Forces were as prepared as possible; no suspects in bombing; J'lem police chief: City marathon still likely to proceed.

jerusalem bus explosion 311 (photo credit: Channel 10)
jerusalem bus explosion 311
(photo credit: Channel 10)
Police Insp.-Gen. David Cohen said that the Israel Police and Jerusalem Police were as prepared for Wednesday's Jerusalem terror attack as they could be.

Cohen said that he did not believe that the attack represented a move backwards towards the years of terror attacks, but said that the Israel and Jerusalem Police are fully prepared for any situation.RELATED:
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9 Palestinians killed in IDF strikes on GazaCohen added that there were still no suspects in the bombing that killed one and injured 39. The explosive device, placed across from the Jerusalem International Conference Center weighed between one and two kilograms, and was packed with shrapnel.Cohen noted that police were already on high alert following the Purim holiday and ahead of the Jerusalem marathon due to take place on Friday.When asked whether he was surprised by the attack, Cohen said he was not, noting that we live in a country where terrorist attacks occur.Police began searching for suspects shortly after the bomb exploded at the bus station, setting up roadblocks around the capital city.In an interview with Channel 10 News, Jerusalem District Police chief Cmdr. Aharon Franco said that police do not know how the bomb was set off and that there was no warning that a terror attack would occur"We operate as if the city is under a threat every day," Franco explained, "but this time we missed."
"We will have to search for the perpetrators and stop future attacks," Franco said. "We will do everything to get them and return Jerusalem to its routine, and allow for all the activities planned in the coming days and months to proceed."Franco added that he was not sure if the Jerusalem Marathon, which is scheduled to begin at the site of the bombing on Friday, will take place or not, but said it is likely to proceed.