MINSK, 9 March (BelTA) – A terrorist attack has been committed against the Belarusian embassy in Italy, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
According to the source, unknown individuals wearing face masks cautiously approached the embassy at 4:03-4:05 in the morning on 9 March 2022. They were carrying unidentified objects in their hands. They set them on fire and threw them into the territory around the embassy. The criminals left the site of the incident right away. One of the devices exploded near a gas pipe, which could damage the entire building if set on fire and can indicate the true target of the criminals. One of the devices did not explode. It looks like a genuine improvised explosive device (IED) based on gun powder.
The explosion did considerable damage to the embassy's building. Windows in a consular office were destroyed, a metal bench was thrown over a 1.5-meter-high internal fence and 5-7 meters to the side. Other objects were damaged as well.
Personnel of Italian law enforcement agencies tentatively classified the incident as a terrorist attack. The relevant investigation procedures are in progress. Italian authorities said they are ready to beef up security of the Belarusian diplomatic mission.
Personnel of the embassy have not been hurt as a result of the incident.
