An attack at the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday resulted in the injury of a Serbian police officer and the death of the assailant. The incident, which authorities suspect may be terror-related, has heightened security concerns in the Serbian capital.
According to Serbia’s Interior Ministry, the attacker approached the embassy armed with a crossbow and fired a bolt at the police officer on guard duty, striking him in the neck. The injured officer responded by using his firearm in self-defense, fatally shooting the attacker.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic reported that the wounded policeman was conscious when transported to Belgrade’s main emergency hospital, where surgery to remove the bolt from his neck was planned. The officer’s condition was not immediately disclosed.
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no embassy employees were harmed during the incident, as the embassy was closed at the time. A spokesperson for the ministry described the event as an “attempted terrorist attack” in the vicinity of the embassy.
While the motive remains under investigation, Dacic told reporters that “there are now all indications that the motives relate to terrorism.” He revealed that one person was arrested near the scene, and police are investigating potential links to foreign terrorist groups.
Dacic mentioned possible connections to the Wahhabi movement, a hardline Islamist group, but emphasized that this information was not yet confirmed. The identity of the attacker was still being determined at the time of the report.
In response to the incident, Serbian authorities have raised the security alert level in Belgrade. Enhanced security measures are being implemented for foreign embassies, government buildings, and public spaces such as shopping malls and other busy areas.
The Israeli Embassy, located in an upscale Belgrade district not far from the U.S. Embassy, is typically guarded by an elite police unit equipped with automatic weapons. This attack has prompted a review of security protocols for diplomatic missions in the city.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of Serbia maintaining close relations with Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This diplomatic stance may have implications for the investigation and future security arrangements.
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation, including any potential international connections or broader security implications for diplomatic missions in Serbia.
AP
