A security incident at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm has raised concerns, with authorities referring to it as an “attempted attack.”
The incident unfolded when a “dangerous object” was discovered outside the Israeli embassy in Stockholm on Wednesday, January 31. Swedish police promptly cordoned off a wide area surrounding the embassy. While police have yet to release specific details about the incident, they confirmed that no injuries occurred during the disposable of the object.
According to police spokesman statements to the BBC, embassy staff found a “live” device and immediately alerted the authorities at approximately 13:10 local time (12:10 GMT). The national bomb squad was called in to assess the situation and decided to destroy the object, preventing any potential harm.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson characterized the situation as “very serious,” emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible. In response to the incident, security measures have been increased by the Swedish authorities, including heightened surveillance of the Israeli embassy and other Jewish institutions.
Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the object but have confirmed that it was detonated in a controlled manner. Unnamed sources cited by Swedish tabloids Expressen and Aftonbladet suggested that it was a hand grenade. Armed police officers were on the scene and brought sandbags, reportedly for use during the object’s disposal.
The Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Ziv Nevo Kulman, described the incident as an “attempted attack” on the embassy and its employees. He expressed gratitude for the rapid response of Swedish authorities, emphasizing that acts of terror would not deter their mission.
Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch also reacted to the incident, stating that she was “shaken” and highlighting the concerning level of hatred directed toward Israel. She emphasized the need to combat violent extremism.
