Wave of Violence Targets Israeli Embassies in Denmark and Sweden
In a shocking series of events, police forces in Denmark and Sweden are actively investigating violent incidents targeting the Israeli embassies in both countries. On Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday, hand grenades were thrown near the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen, and gunshots were fired at the embassy in Stockholm.
Three Swedish men were apprehended in Copenhagen on Wednesday morning, suspected of being involved in the explosions that occurred in Hellerup, a district near the Israeli embassy. The blasts, believed to have been caused by hand grenades, struck around 3:20 AM, damaging a building approximately 100 meters from the embassy, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
In Stockholm, the situation escalated further with police responding to reports of a loud bang around 6 PM on Tuesday. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the Israeli embassy on Strandvägen had been hit by bullets. The Swedish police have launched an investigation into serious weapons offenses but have yet to announce any arrests in connection with this incident.
The two men arrested at Copenhagen Central Station were found on a train heading for Padborg, while a third man was apprehended near the embassy itself. These individuals, aged between 15 and 20, are expected to face charges related to weapon possession during their upcoming court hearing. Authorities emphasized that it is currently too early to determine any motives or if the suspects acted independently.
Jens Jespersen, a spokesperson for the Copenhagen police, indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with analysts trying to ascertain whether the Israeli embassy was the intended target or if the blasts were indiscriminate. Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard described the incidents as "inherently serious" and highlighted the need for thorough investigations, which may involve looking into any potential links to Iran.
Meanwhile, the situation remains delicate across the border in Sweden. The Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer condemned the shooting at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm and expressed concern over the earlier events in Denmark, labeling them serious threats. The Swedish security service, Säpo, has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the situation, further adding to the sense of urgency surrounding these incidents.
Previously, the Israeli embassy in Stockholm was sealed off in late January when a dangerous object—reported to be a hand grenade—was found on its premises, signaling rising tensions surrounding the embassy. Both governments are on high alert as investigations are underway to find linkages between the incidents in Copenhagen and Stockholm and to capture any potential threats to the Israeli diplomatic mission.
As details continue to emerge, the relationships between these nations' security police forces and diplomatic missions are under scrutiny. The overall atmosphere remains tense as authorities work diligently to address and mitigate further threats.
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