Two predawn explosions shook the neighbourhood near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, early Wednesday, prompting heightened security measures and the temporary closure of a nearby Jewish school.
Danish Police confirmed that no one was injured in the blasts, which occurred around 3:20am local time.
Authorities were still investigating whether the explosions were linked to the Israeli diplomatic mission, located in an area that houses several other embassies. Heavily armed officers, search dogs, and forensic teams were seen inspecting the cordoned-off scene, while police have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made.
Carolineskolen, a Jewish school just down the street from the embassy, remained closed for the day. The school was already scheduled to close on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Jewish New Year holidays, but security concerns led to its early closure on Wednesday.
In response to the incident, Jewish community leaders in Copenhagen announced that extra security measures will be put in place around the city’s main synagogue. Community Chairman Henrik Goldstein urged members of the Jewish community to stay vigilant. “I would like to encourage people to be aware when moving in public spaces,” Goldstein said in a statement. “Be critical of what you hear on social media and rumors. There is no reason to refrain from participating in Jewish life.”
Danish police have not provided details about the intensity of the explosions or the extent of any damage caused. However, Denmark’s Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard addressed the incident on national broadcaster TV2, stating, “The incident is inherently serious,” while cautioning that it was too early to speculate on possible motives.
The explosions in Copenhagen came just one day after a similar incident occurred near the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, where police responded to a loud bang and later confirmed the embassy had been hit by gunfire. “We’ve made finds that indicate a shooting at Israel’s embassy, but we don’t want to disclose exactly what finds have been made since there is an ongoing investigation,” Stockholm police told AFP.
Both incidents have heightened concerns over the security of Israeli diplomatic missions across Europe as investigations continue amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
