Knife Attack Near Israeli Embassy in Serbia Leaves Officer Wounded, Assailant Killed

An assailant armed with two knives attacked a police officer securing the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, on Friday, lightly wounding him before being shot and killed. Serbian authorities revealed the attacker was known to support ISIS and raised the national terror alert to its highest level.

The incident occurred at 00:15 local time when the officer, a member of the Gendarmerie, was on duty at the Israeli diplomatic mission. According to Interior Minister Dačić, the attacker lunged at the officer with two knives. The officer shot and killed the assailant in self-defense, sustaining a cut to his face from one of the knives.

Dačić stated that the attacker was a minor whose identity has not been officially confirmed, but there is a strong suspicion he originated from the city of Šabac. Serbian security services had been monitoring him prior to the attack, as he was known to be an ISIS supporter. His Instagram profile reportedly featured the group's black flag and symbol.

In response to the attack, Dačić ordered increased security checks and police presence at sites of special security importance, including infrastructure facilities and crowded public areas. The decision to raise the threat level was made in light of the terror attack that occurred within Serbia. The Israeli Embassy confirmed it was closed at the time of the incident and that its staff and diplomats were not present in the building. Dačić characterized the earlier attack as an act of terror, leading to reinforced security measures in Belgrade and across Serbia.