Serbia declares red alert over terrorism threat

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic has declared a red alert in response to the terrorism threat, prompting increased security presence in crowded locations.

“In my capacity as the interior minister, I have initiated a red alert status in response to the terrorism threat. This directive mandates all department heads within the ministry to promptly implement prescribed procedures for handling terrorist threats,” Dacic said, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

“Citizens can expect heightened police presence in various public locations of interest, extending beyond embassies and government institutions to include shopping centres and other public venues,” he added.

On June 29, a man injured an officer of the Serbian Interior Ministry guarding the Israeli embassy by shooting him in the neck. The assailant was subdued by return fire from another law enforcement officer.

The injured officer was transported to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Belgrade and underwent a successful operation. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, none of the diplomats were injured in the incident.

According to the information, the attack was perpetrated by a 25-year-old Serbian citizen who, according to initial information, espoused support for the radical Islamist movement.