U.S. Embassy Attacked in Greece

Greek authorities are saying that a 2.36-inch rocket attack that struck the US Embassy caused no injuries, and was probably carried out by a domestic terrorist group. The missile did exterior damage to the embassy as well as damaged a bathroom on the third floor. The impact of the missile also shattered windows in buildings nearby.

The large blue and white US seal on the front of the embassy and the ambassador’s office was almost destroyed from the anti-tank missile fired from across the six-lane boulevard near the embassy. " U.S. Ambassador Charles Ries, in speaking with the news media confirmed there were no injuries and that the damage appeared to be minimal. Military officials in Washington said they did not think the attack was related to Al-Qaida. There had been no warning or indication of an impending attack on the Embassy. At the time of the attack, there were very few people inside. Due to the bombing, the Embassy was closed for the day.

In 1996, there was a failed bomb attack on the embassy. At that time, the attack was due to anti-American violence. Officials say the anti-American violence is still prevalent as new militant groups are strongly opposed to the US war in Iraq. These new groups are also violently opposed to US policies.

Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras said. "We believe this attack is the work of a domestic terrorist group and their efforts to revive terrorism is deplorable and will not succeed." "There can be no justification for such a senseless act of violence," he said. "We're treating it as a very serious attack." He went on to say that the attack is a symbolic attack and an attempt to disrupt international relations. Greek officials were examining phone calls to a security group, as well as examining surveillance cameras. It is believed that the attack is from the group called Revolutionary Struggle. In addition to talking with residents in the neighborhood, officials were also seeking permission to view traffic control cameras.

Dora Bakoyannis, Greek Foreign Minister visited the embassy afterward. "I came here to express the solidarity of the Greek people following this deplorable action," she said. "Such actions in the past have had a very heavy cost for the country. ... The Greek government is determined to undertake every effort to not allow such phenomena to be repeated in the future."

-Deborah Lambeth
Contributing Writer