An 18-year-old man, identified as Dario Nikolić, carried out a knife attack outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident has prompted the Serbian government to declare the highest level of terrorism threat in the country. Nikolić, who was reportedly radicalized and known to security services, attacked a member of the Žandarmerija, Serbia’s gendarmerie, with two knives. The officer, identified as D.S., was injured but managed to neutralize the attacker by shooting him on the spot. The injured officer received medical treatment and was later discharged from the hospital.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight when Nikolić, dressed entirely in black, approached the security booth outside the embassy. He reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching his assault. The incident has shocked the nation, leading to heightened security measures across Serbia. The Serbian Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivica Dačić, confirmed the escalation to a red level of terrorism threat, which involves increased security presence and identity checks at key locations, including diplomatic missions, transportation hubs, and major infrastructure sites.

Prior to the attack, Nikolić’s family had reported him missing. They last had contact with him when he left his village, Bela Reka, near Šabac, to visit a shopping center in Šabac. His family had shared concerns on social media and filed a missing person report with the police. Nikolić’s stepfather stated that they lost contact with him between noon and 4 PM on the day before the attack.

Nikolić was known to Serbian security services and had previously been deported from Germany due to his radical Islamist social media activity. His online presence reportedly included symbols associated with the Islamic State. Following the attack, Serbian authorities detained Nikolić’s mother and stepfather for questioning, as investigations continue to uncover any potential accomplices or further connections to terrorist networks.

This incident marks the second attack on the Israeli embassy in Belgrade within two years, raising concerns about the security of diplomatic missions in the region. Israeli Ambassador to Serbia, Avivit Bar-Ilan, expressed deep concern over the attack, calling it a threat to peace and security. She urged a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. The ambassador praised the quick response of the Žandarmerija officer, which she said prevented further bloodshed.

The Serbian government’s response to the attack includes deploying additional armed patrols from the Žandarmerija and Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) to safeguard sensitive locations. The heightened alert status will remain in place as authorities work to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents.

The attack has sparked a national dialogue on the threat of terrorism in Serbia, a country with a complex history of security challenges dating back to the conflicts in the 1990s. While Serbia is generally considered to have a low risk of terrorism, this incident underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and robust security measures.

As the investigation unfolds, Serbian officials are focused on understanding the motivations behind the attack and any potential links to broader extremist activities. The international community, including Israeli officials, is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for cooperation to address the root causes of radicalization and enhance security cooperation.