Bombs Strike 3 Banks in Argentina; Guard Killed

BUENOS AIRES —  Bombs exploded at three banks in the Argentine capital Wednesday, including two branches of U.S.-based Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer, officials said.

No group claimed responsibility for planting the bombs, none of which was big enough to cause major damage to the buildings.

It was the third attack this year on Argentine banks, which were widely blamed for contributing to the country’s economic collapse in late 2001 and early 2002. Hundreds of depositors demanded compensation.

The last time banks were targeted by small bombs was during the August visit of International Monetary Fund chief Rodrigo Rato. No one was injured in those incidents.

The first Citibank explosion killed a private security guard who had picked up a bag containing a bomb before the bank opened to the public. Another device was detonated by police.

At the second Citibank branch, police detonated two devices and a bomb squad officer was injured.

Nearby, a third explosion hit Argentine bank Banco Galicia, but a bank official said there were no injuries.