A Serb attacker wounded a Serbian police officer with a crossbow near the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade, prompting the officer to fatally shoot the assailant in self-defense, Serbian officials confirmed.

The incident is being treated as a potential terrorist attack, with the attacker, a 25-year-old Serb who converted to Islam, believed to be linked to the Wahhabi movement. Security alerts have been heightened in Belgrade as authorities investigate the motive and other individuals possibly connected to the assault. The officer, identified as 34-year-old Milos Jevremovic, is in critical condition, while the Israeli Embassy remains secure with no injuries reported among its staff.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic detailed that the assailant fired a bolt from a crossbow, striking Officer Milos Jevremovic in the neck. Despite his injuries, Jevremovic managed to respond by using his firearm in self-defense, which resulted in the death of the attacker.

Jevremovic, gravely injured but conscious, was immediately transported to Belgrade's main emergency hospital. Medical professionals are currently performing an operation to remove the bolt from his neck. His condition remains life-threatening.

The attacker’s identity is still being confirmed, but initial reports indicate he was a 25-year-old Serbian national who had converted to Islam. Authorities suspect he may have had connections to the Wahhabi movement, although investigations are ongoing to verify this information.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the event as an attempted terrorist attack. A spokesperson confirmed that the Israeli Embassy was temporarily closed following the incident and reassured that no staff members were harmed.

As a preventive measure, heightened security protocols have been enacted throughout Belgrade. This incident follows a broader trend seen across many European nations, where security around Jewish establishments has been significantly increased in response to escalations in the Gaza conflict.

Authorities have also detained several individuals believed to be linked to the attacker. These arrests are part of a comprehensive effort to uncover any potential networks or accomplices involved in the planning or execution of the assault.

Serbia, known for its close political and diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly during the ongoing Gaza conflict, is now facing increased security concerns. The Israeli Embassy in Belgrade is situated in a notable area, close to the U.S. Embassy, and is guarded by an elite police unit equipped with automatic weapons.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact motives behind the attack and to gather all pertinent details. The broader national and international implications of this violent act are still being assessed. Authorities aim to present a detailed report following the completion of the investigations.