Assailants attack Microsoft HQ in Athens

DHAKA: Assailants attacked the offices of Microsoft in Athens early Wednesday, driving a van through the front doors and setting off an incendiary device that burned the building entrance, police said.

There were no reports of injuries in the pre-dawn attack on the US company’s headquarters in the Greek capital, located in the Maroussi suburb north of the city centre.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, reports daily Hurriyet.

Authorities said no warning call had been made before the attack.

Greece has experienced attacks by several small armed anarchist or domestic terrorist groups for decades, which usually target official buildings, banks or symbols of state power with small bombs or incendiary devices.

The attacks usually occur late at night and rarely cause injuries.

Police said initial information indicated three people had been inside the van. They forced the two security guards at the building to leave before they reversed the van into the front entrance, smashing the door.

The two security guards were giving testimony to police.

BDST: 2144 HRS, JUN 27, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor