Intro
00:00:00Embassies take security very seriously due to the high risk of threats from hostile countries.
Americas Pakistan Embassy
00:00:17The U.S. embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan is one of the top 15 most secure embassies on earth due to its highly fortified compound and defenses. The compound has two sets of walls, speed bumps, zigzag barriers, guard posts, and metal sheets that can be raised to impale a car within seconds for added security.
Myanmars Thai Embassy
00:01:17Myanmar's Thai Embassy is heavily fortified and secure due to a past incident involving Burmese dissidents storming the embassy in 1999. The attack led to increased security measures at Myanmar embassies.
Russias Irish Embassy
00:02:15Russia's new Irish embassy in South Dublin has raised concerns about being a Russian listening post to detect data from across the EU. The location in Ireland, part of NATO but with less robust security infrastructure, could give Russia easier access to European radio waves and pose a threat to EU security.
Israels Argentina Embassy
00:03:14Israel has faced security challenges with Muslim majority countries, leading to larger security needs than most countries of its size. The Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina is a particular concern due to the 1992 terrorist attack by Islamic Jihad Organization linked to Iran and possibly Hezbollah.
Americas Dutch Embassy
00:04:15The American embassy in the Netherlands, built in 2018, stands out as it resembles a massive prison with high security measures. It was designed to provide a secure and sustainable platform for diplomacy. The old building was sold off, and there are hopes that it will be repurposed into a hotel.
Chinas Australian Consulate
00:04:57China has established an imposing consulate in Adelaide, Australia, equipped with high-tech security measures. The location of the consulate in a quiet residential suburb has raised suspicions among locals about its intentions to obtain defense secrets due to Adelaide's significance in the nation's naval and submarine re-equipment program. This contrasts with typical embassy locations and sizes, leading many to question why China was allowed such a prominent presence.
Americas Serbian Embassy
00:06:04The United States' London embassy, designed by architect James Timberlake, features a moat as a counter-terrorism measure. The building's design includes a massive glass cube and unconventional security measures such as triple glazed walls, sunken trenches instead of wire fences, and a faraday cage to prevent electronic eavesdropping.
Americas English Embassy
00:07:20Tensions Between U.S. and Chinese Embassies The United States has accused China of engaging in massive illegal spying and influence operations within the country, leading to increased tensions between the two nations. This resulted in the closure of China's consulate in Houston, Texas due to reports of suspicious activities.
Soldiers' Role at Embassies Soldiers are responsible for defending their nation's embassies abroad, including highly secured Chinese embassies and consulates believed to be centers of espionage. The soldiers are deployed based on their assigned tasks.
Chinas American Consulate
00:08:31The Marine Corps embassy security group in Quantico, Virginia specially selects and trains marines to protect embassies abroad. Selected marines undergo eight weeks of training for three separate 12-month tours overseas, preparing them to defend against various threats including terrorism, protests, crime, and natural disasters.
Quantico Headquarters
00:09:37Quantico Headquarters, the largest and most expensive embassy in the world, was built with a massive reconstruction effort completed in 2007. It cost $600 million to upgrade and has an annual operating cost of $1.2 billion. The compound is approximately the size of Vatican City, contains 21 reinforced buildings on half a square kilometer block along the Tigris River.
Iraq Embassy
00:10:41Iraq Embassy Security Challenges The Iraq embassy faced protests and rocket assaults despite heavy security measures. Locals breached the perimeter walls to protest against American air strikes, making it a dangerous place.
Japan's Peruvian Embassy Hostage Crisis In 1996, the Japanese ambassador's residence in Peru was attacked by rebels who took hostages. The rebels demanded various reforms and were eventually killed in a commando raid, leading to controversy over their treatment.
America's Afghani Embassy Fortifications The American embassy in Afghanistan is heavily fortified with multiple layers of protection including manned perimeter walls and robust security checkpoints. Despite these measures, it has been targeted by groups like Taliban and al-Qaeda through suicide bombings and full-fledged assaults.
Afghanistan Embassy
00:14:17Security Measures at Afghanistan Embassy The embassy has heavy defenses due to a rocket launched at the complex in 2019. The security measures are warranted given its track record.
Swiss Embassy in Iran and US Connection The Swiss embassy represents both the United States and other nations, surrounded by large walls and a massive security force. It became home to the United States after the Iranian revolution and hostage crisis of 1979.
Switzerland Embassy
00:15:42Iran Hostage Crisis and Algiers Accords The US attempted to save hostages in Iran but later resorted to negotiations, leading to the Algiers Accords. The agreement required the US to stop intervening in Iranian affairs, unfreeze Iranian assets, and remove trade sanctions. This forced American diplomats to stay confined within Switzerland's embassy.
Tanzanian and Kenyan Embassy Attacks In 1998, both Tanzanian and Kenyan embassies were attacked by Al-Qaeda as revenge for U.S involvement in extradition of Islamic jihadists from Albania. The attacks resulted in over 200 deaths due to truck bomb explosions orchestrated by Al-Qaeda.
Tanzania and Kenya embassies
00:17:28Tanzania and Kenya embassies have increased security measures after facing threats of terrorist attacks. The United States has also improved relations with both countries.