US embassy struck in terror attack by explosive device

A US embassy has been struck by an explosive device that was thrown onto the grounds in an apparent terror attack.

The US embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. Picture: iStock

A US embassy has been struck by an explosive device that was thrown onto the grounds in an apparent terror attack.

The blast hit the mission located in central Kiev, Ukraine shortly after midnight, after an attacker threw the device over the embassy’s fence.

Ukraine Police said on Thursday there were no casualties.

Local police are treating the incident as a terrorist act, AAP reported.

“Investigators found that an unknown person threw an explosive device on the territory of the diplomatic mission,” a police statement read.

Device explodes at US Embassy compound in Kiev; no injuries reported https://t.co/2rV5bEubLI pic.twitter.com/if2c3CW0La

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Authorities in Kiev said in a statement that the incident occurred at the US Embassy compound in the Shevchenko district.

“It was determined that an unknown assailant threw an unidentified explosive device onto the grounds of the diplomatic mission.,” the statement read.

“Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Art. 258 (Terrorist Act) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.”

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning in 2016 for U.S. citizens in Ukraine.

The statement read, “The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly.”

The US embassy was not immediately contactable for comment.

A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP:

“The embassy will continue to function normally.”

Originally published as US embassy struck in terror attack by explosive device