Police say the Continuity IRA was behind the Wattlebridge bomb and that it was a deliberate attempt to murder officers.
The bomb detonated without warning on the Fermanagh border on Monday morning.
Detective Superintendent Sean Wright, Head of PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit said their investigation has indicated that this was a deliberate attempt by the Continuity IRA to murder police officers and army personnel.
“Thankfully these terrorists did not succeed in their murderous attempt and police officers and army personnel bravely continued the clearance operation, working to protect the community of Wattlebridge,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Wright said on Saturday evening, police received a report from a media outlet about a suspect device left in the Wattlebridge area.
He said police moved to secure the area in order to mitigate the potential risk to the public.
“On Sunday morning, a full clearance operation began with the support of ATO colleagues and colleagues from An Garda Siochana. During this operation, a bomb exploded in the area of the Cavan Road at its junction with the Wattlebridge Road.
“This was not a controlled explosion carried out by security services, it detonated without warning. This demonstrates how volatile these devices are and I am thankful that there were no injuries,” he added.
And he is asking for anyone with information to come forward.
“Those responsible for this reckless attack clearly do not care about their community and the lives of those who live in the local area. By placing an explosive device adjacent to a public road, it is clear that these terrorists do not mind who they hurt or murder.
“If anyone was in the Wattlebridge area anytime between 6pm on Friday 16 August and 8pm on Saturday 17 August they should contact police on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers. If any motorists were in the area and they have dashcam, please get in touch,” he added.