Seoul Protesters Bomb, Storm U.S. Embassy

SEOUL, South Korea — Radical students stormed the U.S. Embassy compound today, hurled six crude homemade bombs and wounded a police officer in the fourth day of clashes between anti-government protesters and police.

Students staged demonstrations and marches today at colleges in Seoul and other cities to demand the overthrow of President Roh Tae Woo and removal of U.S. troops. Many protests were peaceful, but some turned into battles with police in green combat fatigues and black-visored helmets.

“Down with the military dictatorship!” and “Drive out the Yankee imperialists!” protesters shouted.

Students hurling firebombs and rocks battled police around at least three colleges in Seoul and one in the southern city of Kwangju.

Police fired tear gas and formed walls of shields to stop protesters from marching into the streets.

Students carrying a South Korean flag and banners denouncing the government and the United States scaled the walls of the U.S. Embassy compound and others rushed the gate, police said.

They threw six bombs at police guards. One officer was hurt when four of the devices exploded. The officer was hospitalized with wounds, police said.

Protesters Seized

The intruders ran around the embassy compound for several minutes, shouting “Drive out the U.S.!” and scattering leaflets before riot police overpowered and arrested seven protesters. Witnesses said some of the protesters got away.

The state-run Korean Broadcast System said one student was injured by a policeman armed with an iron bar, but police said they could not confirm the report.

U.S. Embassy officials said the bombs did not damage the building and no Americans were hurt. Police said the bombs were crude chemical explosives packed in soft drink cans.