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The attack in the capital city of Podgorica happened just before midnight last night. The embassy was closed at the time of the incident. Montenegro's government confirmed an unknown assailant threw the grenade into the embassy compound and then blew himself up with another explosive device. There are no deaths except of the attacker. The New York Times reported a witness saw the man throw the object over the wall at around midnight.

REUTERS The US embassy was attacked with grenades by a group of attackers

The Montenegro government, in a tweet, said that about half an hour after midnight "an unknown person" had committed suicide with an explosive device. It added: "Immediately before, that person threw an explosive device from the intersection near the Sport Center into the US embassy compound." In a security alert issued by the office, people were warned to avoid the area. The embassy was closed for issuing visas on Thursday and it warned US citizens to stay away until further notice. On the embassy website, it wrote: "The US embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the US embassy in Podgorica."

Further advice was offered to worried US citizens in the country. The embassy statement said: “Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.” A total of 34 Americans and 134 local staff work at the embassy.

REUTERS The US Embassy in Montenegro was attacked with a grenade

A photographer in the capital said a police vehicle was blocking the street where the embassy is located but that no damage was visible. Meanwhile, a guard at a nearby sports centre has been reported as saying he "heard two explosions, one after another". He also said: "Police came very quickly and the body of a man was taken away." Policemen with submachine guns and police vehicles were out on the streets near the embassy building on Thursday morning after the incident. Montenegro's interior minister, Mevludin Nuhodzic dcondemed the incident in a video message today. He said: "All appropriate state bodies are undertaking measures and activities with an aim of resolving this case and securing full safety and security of the U.S. embassy's staff." Montenegro state television quoting police sources said the attacker was a 43-year old man born in Serbia and residing in Podgorica, the police have no confirmed this.

U.S. Embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica. Avoid the Embassy until further notice. Follow @USEmbassyMNE and @TravelGov for updates. https://t.co/LIrKnCAD87 — Department of State (@StateDept) February 22, 2018

AFP Police have shut off access to the embassy