A police officer was hurt in a crossbow attack outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said the officer, Milos Jevremovic, was shot in the neck with an arrow but was able to shoot and kill the attacker.
Jevremovic had surgery and is now stable. Officials called the attack a “terrorist” act and identified the attacker as Milos Zujovic, a Serbian who converted to Islam.
The attack occurred around 11:00 (09:00 GMT) when Zujovic approached a small building in front of the embassy, inquiring about a museum. He then pulled a crossbow from a bag and shot Jevremovic, who returned fire.
Zujovic, born in Mladenovac in 1999 and later residing in Novi Pazar, died about half an hour after the incident. The Israeli embassy was closed during the attack, and no employees were injured.
Following the attack, the Serbian government increased the national threat level to red and initiated a higher police presence around potential targets. Special prosecutors took over the case, declaring it a terrorist act. Several individuals were arrested as a precaution, and another suspect believed to share Zujovic’s views is being sought by authorities.
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic referred to the attack as an individual crime, urging the public to stay calm and avoid propaganda that could incite hate crimes.
Authorities arrested Igor Despotovic, born in 1999, for alleged communication with Zujovic and previous involvement in online extremist groups. Police operations are ongoing to locate more suspects connected to the incident.
The Israeli ambassador to Serbia and Serbia’s top Islamic cleric condemned the attack, emphasizing that it contradicts religious teachings.
President Aleksandar Vucic visited the injured officer in the hospital, praising his bravery and announcing plans to honor him. This attack follows other recent threats against Israeli embassies since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.
