Bomb squad rushes to Israeli Embassy in Sweden as 'explosive device found outside'

Bomb squad rushes to Israeli Embassy in Sweden as 'explosive device found outside'

WATCH: Suspicious object found near Israeli embassy in Sweden

Reuters
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 31/01/2024

- 15:33

Updated: 31/01/2024

- 17:10

The device was later detonated in a controlled manner

The Swedish national bomb squad has rushed to the scene of the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm as what is believed to have been an explosive device was found outside.

Officers from Swedish police said that the device was destroyed by the national bomb squad.


Embassy staff had notified police of the situation, triggering a large response from law enforcement.

The device was later detonated in a controlled manner, a police spokesperson told the broadcaster TV4.

Sweden

Emergency workers walk near the Israeli embassy

Reuters

Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Ziv Nevo Kulman, wrote on X. "Today we were subject to an attempted attack against the Embassy of Israel in Stockholm and its employees.

"We thank the Swedish authorities for their swift response. We will not be intimidated by terror."

Police declined to give any detail on the nature of the object, or about how it had got into the embassy grounds.

They now confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

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Police officers stand near the Israeli embassy

Police officers stand near the Israeli embassy

Reuters

The object was believed to be a hand grenade that was thrown over the embassy fence, landing close to the building, daily Aftonbladet reported, citing unnamed sources.

The embassy building was cordoned off at a distance of about 100 metres.

Chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish communities Aron Verständig said: "My thoughts go out to the embassy staff during this incident."

Author Ben Freeman said: "The Israeli Embassy in Stockholm was attacked with a grenade today. This is an assault on Israel, Jews in Sweden and all over the world."

\u200bEmergency services attended the scene

Emergency services attended the scene in Stockholm

Reuters

He added: "It will not be tolerated. We stand with defiance & strength against those who wish to destroy us."

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