Greek police arrest 12 Iraqis over terrorism threat (Roundup)

Apr 25, 2007, 13:59 GMT

Athens - Greek police arrested 12 Iraqi immigrants on Wednesday after receiving information of a possible al-Qaeda terrorist attack against the United States Embassy in Athens.

Officials conducted searches in various homes around the embassy late on Tuesday and blocked the streets around the diplomatic mission on Wednesday morning after receiving information from an Iraqi national of a possible plan to attack the embassy.

Traffic was backed up for hours in central Athens as police cordoned off the main road in front of the embassy which remained closed. Searches were still being conducted at various buildings in the area.

Police had originally told residents and drivers in the area that the operation was an exercise.

According to reports, the immigrants were taken to police headquarters for questioning, but no explosives were found.

Security around the embassy in central Athens has been heightened following a rocket attack on the building in January which caused minor damage and no injuries.

A far-left group, Revolutionary Struggle, later claimed responsibility for the attack, saying their action was in response to US military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last month the Greek and US governments offered separate million dollar rewards for information leading to the arrest of members of the terrorist group.