One dead in grenade attack on US embassy in Montenegro

One dead in grenade attack on US embassy in Montenegro
By bne IntelliNews February 22, 2018

An unknown man threw a grenade at the US embassy in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica and then blew himself up with a second device. 

The attack is the first apparent terror attack in Podgorica’s newest history. No other people were hurt, and the reason for the attack is unknown at the moment.

“Half an hour after midnight in front of the US embassy’s building committed suicide through an explosive device,” Montenegro’s government said on Twitter.

“Shortly before the suicide the person placed an explosive device in the US embassy's round from an intersection with the Sports Centre… Most likely it was a hand-made bomb with a spoon. Investigations and identification are underway," the government added on the micro-blogging site. 

According to broadcaster RTCG, investigators have raided the area around the embassy and found no other explosive devices. A boulevard near the embassy has been closed.

The embassy warned US citizens to stay away until further notice. A notice on its website said: "The US Embassy in Podgorica advises US citizens there is an active security situation at the US Embassy in Podgorica."

The embassy warned citizens on its website to avoid the area around the building, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, follow the instructions of local authorities, watch media for updates and apply sound security practices.

State department spokesperson Heather Nauert divulged more information on the situation in a series of tweets. 

"@USEmbassyMNE confirms there was a small explosion near the U.S. Embassy compound at approximately midnight local time on February 22. The Embassy is currently conducting an internal review to confirm the safety of all staff," Nauert wrote early on February 22.

"At this time, Embassy officials are working closely with police to identify the assailant(s). We refer press to local law enforcement authorities for more details on this evolving investigation."

Montenegro is Nato's newest member having joined the alliance in June 2017. 

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