Man with crossbow attacks policemen in front of Israeli embassy in Belgrade
The policeman was at his guard house in front of the Israeli embassy at the time of the attack. He explained that after the attack, in self-defense, he had drawn his weapon and fatally shot the attacker, Dacic stated. The policeman had to undergo surgery.
The Police identified the attacker as a man who had converted to Islam and was born in Mladenovac, about 50 kilometers from Belgrade. According to the authorities, he later moved to Novi Pazar, the historical and political center of the Bosnian-Muslim minority in Serbia.
It was a "terrorist act targeting the Serbian state," said the Interior Minister. The act appeared to be linked to Wahhabism, an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam that dominates in Saudi Arabia.
According to Dacic, several people were arrested "for preventive reasons." The suspicion was directed against people who were "known to the authorities" and had connections to the "Kuwaiti Movement." Special investigators had taken over the case, Dacic added. The security in Belgrade had been heightened. The Police announced that they were conducting searches at several locations.
Prime Minister Vucevic condemned the "despicable terrorist attack" and described the act as "an act of madness that cannot be attributed to any religion or nation." It was "the crime of an individual," Vucevic stressed. His country would resolutely counter the threat from Extremists.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry spoke of a "foiled terrorist attack" near the Israeli embassy in Serbia. Embassy staff were not injured, but the embassy was temporarily closed.
- The incident occurred near the Israeli embassy, located in the heart of Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia.
- Ivica Dacic, a prominent Serbian politician, expressed his condolences and support for the policeman involved in the incident.
- In response to the attack, a crossbow was found at the scene, leading the Police to investigate potential links to extremist groups, such as the Kuwaiti Movement.
- Despite the heightened security measures, daily life in Man, a district known for its vibrant nightlife in Belgrade, continued as usual.
