Following phone calls to TV stations alerting them to the possibility of bombs being planted in the US, Israel, and Egyptian embassies in Athens as well as at the Parliament, Greek police were put on high alert on Friday.
Since the special bomb squad teams that raced to the Athens embassy buildings have not yet discovered any explosive devices, analysts believe the incident was most likely a hoax.
Callers claimed that bombs in the embassies and the Parliament would go off at 11:30 AM local time, which prompted the warning to be raised.
According to reports, there was a bomb threat at the US embassy, an Israeli embassy bomb, and an Egyptian embassy threat. These calls were made to Open TV, Kontra TV, and SKAI TV. Whether the calls were made by the same individual is unclear.
As of yet, no group has taken ownership of the bomb threats.The US and Israeli embassies in Athens are on high alert.
Since the Gaza War started in October of last year, US and Israeli embassies are constantly on high alert.
US citizens should be extra cautious, according to the US Embassy in Athens. “The Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests,” the statement reads.It recommended US residents to follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, keep vigilant in tourist-heavy areas, and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and facilitate your location in an emergency abroad.
A blast that shook the Israeli embassy in India in December apparently caused all of the Israeli embassies to be on high alert, with some of them being closed completely.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israelis everywhere have been advised to remain vigilant as anti-Israel sentiment has grown in certain regions of the world.As Israel battles the terrorist organization Hamas in Gaza, the National Security Council advised Israelis to reevaluate all international travel and urged those who do go to avoid making overt displays of their Jewish and Israeli identities.
The alert advised staying away from Jewish and Israeli locations, crowded places like markets and malls, and activities that aren’t secured. It also advised being extra watchful in public spaces and not to exhibit Israeli insignia. Additionally, pictures that might identify Israelis should not be shared on social media.
