Time bomb found outside Greek bank

[BEER980]

POLICE used controlled explosions today to destroy a small time bomb planted outside an American bank office in the Olympic city of Athens.

There were no injuries or damage in the incident, which came just months before Greece hosts the 2004 Games. Police said the device, which included dynamite, was destroyed in two controlled explosions by the bomb squad. It had been left outside a Citibank branch in the northeastern Athens suburb of Halandri.

Authorities had been alerted to the bomb by an anonymous telephone call to an Athens newspaper. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the attempt was thought to be the work of one of the many self-proclaimed anarchist groups and arson gangs that have in the past targeted banks. They have also targeted various businesses and diplomatic vehicles.

Such groups have in recent years carried out hundreds of arson attacks, a trend that has worried Greek security officials ahead of the August 13-29 Olympics.

Source