Knife attacker shot dead outside Israeli embassy in Belgrade after rush

Serbian police shot dead a minor outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade in the early hours of Wednesday after an incident described by authorities as a “terrorist attack”. The interior minister, Ivica Dacic, said the attacker rushed at a police officer with two knives while shouting the phrase “Allahu Akbar” and the officer sustained a minor knife wound to the face before shooting the suspect.

Dacic said the suspect has not been identified but was a Serbian citizen and a minor who had been monitored by security services as he was known to be a supporter of the Islamic State. Authorities stated the suspect had posted a picture of the Islamic State flag on his Instagram.

The interior minister raised the country’s terrorism threat level to red alert, the highest level, which brings stricter security checks and increased police presence at infrastructure facilities and areas where large crowds gather. Dacic said he visited the injured police officer, who was reportedly doing well and did not need hospital care for his wounds.

Armed security personnel were seen standing guard outside the Israeli embassy on Wednesday morning. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed on social media that no embassy personnel were injured and that the mission was closed at the time of the incident.

This is the second such attack on Belgrade’s Israeli embassy in less than three years; in June 2024 a man shot a police officer in the neck with a crossbow and the officer who was shot survived and shot dead the assailant, who was identified as a Serbian man who had converted to Islam.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The shooting underscores heightened security concerns around diplomatic missions in Belgrade and prompted immediate escalation of national alert measures. The involvement of a minor reportedly known to security services and the claim of support for the Islamic State highlight ongoing challenges for Serbian counterterrorism monitoring and public safety protocols. The closure of the embassy and visible armed protection reflect precautionary steps to safeguard personnel and facilities following the attack.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• A minor was shot dead by police outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade after attacking an officer with two knives.
• The officer sustained a minor facial wound and did not require hospital care.
• Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said the suspect was a Serbian citizen monitored for support of the Islamic State.
• Authorities said the suspect had posted an Islamic State flag on Instagram.
• The terrorism threat level in Serbia was raised to red alert and the embassy was closed at the time of the incident.