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US authorities announced on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a elaborate plan to set off bombs at multiple locations operated by two US-based companies on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The move followed the detainment of suspects linked to an extremist offshoot espousing anti-corporate and anti-authority views.

Individuals Detained During Isolated Rehearsal

The four individuals were taken into custody last Friday in the desert region situated east of Los Angeles as they were reportedly running through their intended strike. Prosecutors displayed from above surveillance footage to the media, that depicted the group carrying a large obscure device to a table. Officials stressed that the arrests occurred ahead of the suspects could put together a fully functional bomb.

Identities of the Those Charged Disclosed

As per the filed court documents, the four suspects identified are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Lai, 41. The group are reportedly from the greater Los Angeles area.

Reported Driving Force and Connections

Although officials did not directly describe a motive, they stated the group are adherents of a faction dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This entity allegedly urges "workers to rebel and resist against corporate power," as per the court papers.

The charges involve conspiracy to commit a crime and having a explosive. Officials noted that more accusations are expected in the next few weeks.

Details of the Reported "The Midnight Sun Plan"

Prosecutors revealed that one of the individuals had created a detailed scheme last month to attack five or more corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were described as "similar to Amazon" distribution centers.

"The bomb plot was specific," a prosecutor said. "It laid out a precise guide to construct explosive devices … and named several sites across Orange county and Los Angeles."

According to the probe and legal filings, the plot entailed placing bags containing intricate IEDs that were scheduled to be exploded simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve at 5 places. New Year's Eve was chosen as an ideal time since the scheme noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so blast noises will be less likely to be heard."

An eight-page handwritten document, called "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," stated that further locations could be incorporated. The facilities were identified as property and buildings owned by two different firms tied to business involving commerce.

Future Schemes and Materials Found

Court documents also indicated that two individuals in the group had discussed later strikes aimed at ICE agents officers and transport with pipe bombs in 2026. One suspect allegedly commented that such attacks "would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."

Such discussions were allegedly talked over both at an physical meeting in Los Angeles and through an private communication application.

Pictures contained in the legal filings show a isolated site with what authorities identified as explosives-manufacturing materials scattered on portable tables.

The complaint details that the individuals "all brought IED parts to the site, including different sizes of tubes, believed to be an oxidizer, charcoal, fuel powder, powdered sulfur, and material to be used as detonators, along with other items."

Instructions also contained steps on how to manufacture the explosives and how to avoid leaving forensic clues that could be traced back to the individuals. The individuals had not long ago obtained components and other materials, with buys from online retailers.

Operation and Aftermath

Federal agents moved in last week when the group were rehearsing the operation in the isolated region near a California town. "They owned everything they were necessary to build an operational bomb at that site," an official said.

As part of executed search warrants, officials allegedly found signs for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's dwelling that advocated "America Must Fall", and "Death to ICE". At another suspect's residence, police found a version of the detailed bomb plan.

The suspects were arrested peacefully. They were set to face a judge in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.