Blast 'caused by rocket'
12/01/2007 09:34  - (SA)  

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The US embassy is seen after an explosion in Athens early on Friday. (Thanassis Stavrakis, AP)

Blast rips through US embassy Blast rips through US embassy Major attacks on US embassies Major attacks on US embassies

Athens - Unknown assailants fired a rocket into the US embassy in Athens early on Friday, causing damage to the building but no casualties, police and US officials said.

Police said the rocket penetrated the building near the front-entrance emblem and exploded inside, damaging toilet facilities on the embassy's third floor.

"This is a very serious attack", US ambassador Charles Ries told reporters gathered outside the building.

He said the incident was under investigation and that the embassy would reopen as soon as possible.

Earlier, US state department spokesperson Kurtis Cooper said in a brief statement in Washington that there was an explosion in the embassy at around 06:00 (04:00 GMT).

"There are no injuries or casualties of any kind. Police have responded," he said.

- AFP

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