A firefighter is seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
ATHENS, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported.
The device was placed outside a bank branch opposite the ministry building. The area has been cordoned off, as windows have been shuttered up to the fifth floor.
Shortly before the explosion in the early hours, two telephone calls were made to local media, warning about the bomb. One of the callers claimed the attack was made by a new local anti-establishment organization named "Revolutionary Class Self-Defense."
Greece has suffered from domestic terrorism and violence by such groups for decades. In most cases, there are warning telephone calls to local media 30-60 minutes before attacks to avoid casualties.
An antiterrorism investigation to locate the perpetrators was underway.
"The attack is serious. We trust Greek police," government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told local OPEN TV. ■
Broken glass is seen near the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
A fire engine is seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Firefighters are seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
A fire engine is seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Fire engines are seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Policemen are seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Firefighters are seen at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs after a bomb exploded opposite the ministry building in Athens, Greece, Feb. 3, 2024. A bomb exploded opposite the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in central Athens on Saturday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
