Police Officer Shot with Crossbow in Suspected Terror Attack at Israeli Embassy in Serbia

A police officer at the Israeli Embassy in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, was shot in the neck with a crossbow in a suspected terror attack on Saturday, according to CNN affiliate N1. The officer managed to shoot the attacker, who ultimately died. The injured officer has been taken to the hospital and will require surgery to remove the arrow from his neck.

Serbia's Interior Minister, Ivica Dacic, has declared the incident as an "undoubtedly a terrorist attack." Several individuals believed to be linked to the attack have been apprehended, as confirmed by Dacic. The unidentified attacker, carrying a bag, pulled out a crossbow and aimed it at the gendarme, shooting him in the neck before the officer could react. The gendarme, despite sustaining injuries, managed to fire multiple shots at the assailant, resulting in the attacker's death approximately 30 minutes later.

Investigations are ongoing regarding all aspects of the attack, including possible motives. As a precautionary measure, other individuals who were in close proximity to the police facilities were also arrested. Dacic highlighted that there were indications suggesting the involvement of individuals associated with the Wahhabi movement, a strict branch of Islam.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson referred to the incident as an "attempted terrorist attack" and confirmed that none of its employees were injured in the attack. Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, expressed gratitude to the Serbian government for their support and conveyed wishes for a swift recovery to the injured guard in a statement. Katz further emphasized that terrorism must not be tolerated.

Authorities are working diligently to gather more information and further details regarding the incident to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in Belgrade.