Greece Condemns Attack Against Israeli Embassy in Athens

MOSCOW, December 12 (Sputnik) — The Greek Foreign Ministry has condemned an attack against the Israeli Embassy that took place in Athens early Friday morning, an official announcement said.

"We unequivocally condemn the attack with shots fired, which took place at dawn today, at the Israeli Embassy in [Athens district] Psychiko," the announcement stated Friday.

The incident will not have an impact on Greece’s cooperation with Israel, the ministerial statement added.

"The immediate mobilization of the Greek Police, who are fighting terrorism in a coordinated and effective manner, will bring the perpetrators before the Greek justice system," the ministry added.

Four men on two motorcycles opened fire as they passed by the embassy in the Psychiko district of Athens at 03.15 local time (01.15 GMT). Police reported that 54 bullet casings matching those of Kalashnikov manufacture were found at the scene. Traffic near the embassy was closed during the subsequent investigation.

The incident, which took place early in the morning, while the embassy was closed and empty, resulted in no injuries. The bullets caused minor damage to the building.

Police said as cited by local media that the incident is similar to an attack on the German consulate in December 2014 in Athens. About 60 shots from Kalashnikovs were fired by men passing by on motorcycles. A group calling themselves the Popular Fighters claimed responsibility for the incident.