Man Attacks Police Officer Guarding Israeli Embassy in Serbia with Crossbow: Shot Dead

In a shocking incident in Belgrade, Serbia, an assailant armed with a crossbow attacked a police officer guarding the Israeli Embassy. 

The officer, injured by a bolt to the neck, responded by fatally shooting the attacker. 

This alarming event took place on Saturday and has been labeled as a potential act of terrorism by both Serbian and Israeli officials.

According to Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, the attacker, identified as a 25-year-old Serb who had converted to Islam, targeted the officer in front of the embassy. 

After being hit, the officer managed to use his firearm in self-defense, resulting in the assailant's death. 

The officer was promptly transported to Belgrade’s main emergency hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited the injured officer, commending his bravery and vowing a severe crackdown on terrorism. 

He stated, “We are hunting them down. We will have no mercy for terrorism in Serbia.” 

The heightened rhetoric underscores the seriousness with which the Serbian government is treating the incident.

Israeli officials have expressed shock and gratitude towards the Serbian police. 

Yahel Vilan, Israel’s ambassador to Belgrade, thanked the officer for his courageous actions and emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation. 

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no embassy employees were harmed during the attack.

Minister Dacic indicated that the attacker may have ties to the hard-line Wahhabi movement and possibly other foreign terrorist groups. 

Another suspect was arrested near the scene, and authorities are exploring potential connections within terrorist networks. 

Dacic noted that the attacker was previously known to security services, heightening concerns about domestic radicalization.

Following the attack, Serbia has heightened security in Belgrade, particularly around foreign embassies, government buildings, and busy public areas like shopping malls. 

The Israeli Embassy, located near the U.S. Embassy in an upscale district of Belgrade, is guarded by elite police units, which will likely see increased vigilance in the coming days.

This incident highlights the ongoing threats of terrorism faced by nations worldwide. 

The swift response of the Serbian police officer undoubtedly prevented a potentially larger tragedy, and the subsequent investigation will be crucial in addressing the underlying security concerns. 

As Serbia strengthens its counter-terrorism efforts, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it may reveal about the broader challenges of radicalization and terrorism in the region.