Terror fears as anti-tank shell fired at US embassy in Athens

Published on 12/01/2007 11:54

AN anti-tank shell was fired at the US embassy in Athens this morning, striking the front of the building but causing no injuries.

A senior police official said the blast was an act of terrorism, raising fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups.

Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras said Greece "strongly condemns" the attack on the heavily guarded building. "We believe it is a symbolic act," he said.

"It is an attempt to disrupt our country's international relations."

Police cordoned off streets around the building after the explosion shortly before 6am.

The shell struck the third floor - narrowly missing the embassy emblem - and smashed glass in nearby buildings.

Traffic came to a standstill across parts of central Athens, as police and emergency services scrambled to the embassy building, which is a frequent destination for protest groups.

Investigators were examining what they believed was the device used to fire the shell from a construction site near the embassy.

US ambassador Charles Ries said the damage was "not extensive."

"There can be no justification for such a senseless act of violence." he said.