Packages containing explosives sent to military facilities around Washington DC

At least one of the packages contained explosive material, but was 'rendered neutral'

The FBI is analyzing the packages near Washington. Pictured: Police tape last week in Austin (Getty Images)

The FBI has identified several suspicious packages that were sent to military locations near Washington, including two that were sent to Fort Belvoir and Fort McNair.

At least one of the packages contained explosive materials, but was rendered safe by officials after it was identified.

That package was sent to the National Defence University at Fort McNair, and arrived at 8.30am, leading to the evacuation of the entire building, Army spokesman Michael L Howard said.

“At 12.10pm, 52nd Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal from Fort Belvoir, VA, confirmed the package tested positive for black powder and residue,” Mr Howard told CNN in a statement. “The X-ray conducted indicates suspected GPS and an expedient fuse were attached. The package was rendered safe. No injuries are reported.”

The packages were first picked up by screening machines that process incoming mail. The packages are all being sent to be examined by the FBI in their lab in Quantico, Virginia.

The Fort McNair facilities were reopened after a K-9 sweep of the buildings. They reopened at 1.15pm.

Officials at the Fort Belvoir facility said that their package had also been rendered safe, but it was not clear if it contained explosive materials.

The suspicious packages follow soon after the saga in Austin, Texas anded, where several bombs were delivered to homes in packages. Those events ended last week when the suspect detonated a bomb in his car, killing him as police surrounded him.

Officials have given no indication that the packages Monday were in any way connected to those bombings.