Rioters Attack U.S. Embassy in Belgrade

Let’s hope this isn’t the start of something bigger. 

Serb rioters broke into the U.S. Embassy and set fire to an office Thursday, and police clashed with protesters outside after a large demonstration against Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

The embassy said a charred body was found in the embassy after the attack. “It was found at the part of the building set on fire by the protesters,” embassy spokeswoman Rian Harris said. She said all embassy staffers were accounted for; Belgrade’s Pink TV said the body appeared to be that of a rioter.

Masked attackers broke into the U.S. compound, which was closed at the time, just after 7 p.m. and tried to throw furniture from an office. They set fire to the office and flames shot up the side of the building.

It took police about 45 minutes to appear at the scene, and firefighters arrived about the same time and put out the blaze. Police secured the U.S. Embassy and surrounding area, blocking off all access.