US embassy in Uruguay evacuated due to suspected presence of explosives

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The US embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, was evacuated on March 21 after two briefcases suspected of containing explosive devices were detected.

The briefcases arrived at the embassy around noon (local time), coming from a flight from the United States. When they passed through the scanner, “something dubious” was detected, reported the Fire Department, according to the Uruguayan newspaper El País.

After that first embassy control detected the suspicious object, they called the police and other security and rescue forces, who immediately went to the scene.

“The alarm was activated when a possible explosive device was seen, and the area was isolated,” said Fire Department spokesman Pablo Benítez. That isolation included cordoning off the area and cutting off traffic around the embassy.

Minutes later, members of the Explosives Brigade of the Uruguayan Army were in charge of the controlled detonation of the suitcases.

“After the detonation, there was no explosion, so for the moment, no evidence of explosives was found. We are still inspecting to see if there is any other risk,” said Benítez.

According to information published by the RT portal, authorities are also investigating how these suitcases could have passed through Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport.

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