In a shocking incident outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, a police officer was injured in a crossbow attack carried out by a Serbian assailant. The attacker, identified as Milos Zujovic, shot the officer in the neck with an arrow before being fatally shot by the officer himself.

The injured officer, Milos Jevremovic, underwent surgery and is now in stable condition, according to authorities. The incident, which occurred around 11:00 (09:00 GMT), was classified as a "terrorist act" by Serbian officials, who described the aggressor as a Muslim convert.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic revealed that the attacker had approached a small building near the embassy several times, claiming to be inquiring about a museum. However, he then opened the door, retrieved a crossbow, and launched the attack on the officer. In self-defense, the officer fired back, resulting in the assailant's death approximately thirty minutes later.

Officials disclosed that Milos Zujovic, born in 1999 in Mladenovac, Serbia, had later moved to Novi Pazar, the cultural center of the Bosniak Muslim minority. After converting to Islam, he adopted the name Salahudin. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that none of its employees were injured during the incident, as the embassy was closed at the time.

Following the incident, special prosecutors took over the case and raised the threat level in Serbia to red. This led to increased police presence around potential targets and intensified efforts to locate locations related to potential plots. As a precautionary measure, several individuals were apprehended, said Interior Minister Dacic, who hinted that the attack might be part of a larger threat. However, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic regarded it as "a crime of an individual," urging the public not to succumb to hate crimes.

Authorities are still conducting searches for another person believed to share Zujovic's extremist views, emphasizing that it may take several days to locate and arrest the individual. President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that they were pursuing multiple suspects.

The incident has sparked international outrage, with Israeli ambassador to Serbia, Yahel Vilan, expressing deep shock and gratitude towards Officer Jevremovic for his bravery. Serbia's top Islamic cleric, Senad Halitovic, condemned the attack, stating that it goes against all religious teachings.

The attack outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade comes amidst ongoing tensions following recent violence in the region. Gun laws in the country are also coming under scrutiny after two separate attacks this week. The opposition has demanded a re-run of last week's elections, citing allegations of mass fraud, leading to protests in the capital and Novi Sad.

President Vucic, after visiting Officer Jevremovic in the hospital, assured that he would be honored for his actions once discharged. Meanwhile, authorities continue their investigations and police operations across various locations in the country.

This incident serves as a reminder of the need for heightened security measures and the importance of maintaining calm and unity in the face of such acts of violence.