US Embassy vehicle scare was false alarm, Interior Ministry says

Interior Ministry informed that no explosives or suspicious materials were found in the vehicle parked near the Untied States Embasy, which sparked a security search on Monday afternoon.

The Zastava pickup was left at the Embassy parking and an initial sweep by Embassy security personnel discovered traces of explosives. Subsequent Interior Ministry search showed that there are no explosives, and police determined the identity of the owner of the vehicle. The Embassy said that police responded appropriately to the request for assistance.

A problem with phone lines with the Embassy was also reported on Monday afternoon. The Embassy says that it is unrelated to the vehicle search. It tweeted from the official account that the phone lines are inoperable and that all American citizens who may have some need of Embassy services, should contact the State Department directly.