COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Authorities in Copenhagen reported a pair of blasts near the Israeli Embassy early Wednesday, setting the city on high alert with an intensive investigation underway. The explosions prompted the immediate closure of a local Jewish school, though there were no injuries reported from the incidents.
Officers heavily armed and accompanied by search dogs and forensic teams, sealed off the affected area to comb for clues. Despite the close proximity of the blasts to the Israeli Embassy and numerous other diplomatic missions, it remains unconfirmed if the embassy was the intended target. The police are yet to make any arrests concerning the explosions.
The incident significantly disrupted the routine in the area. Carolineskolen, a Jewish school located merely steps from the embassy, had preemptively planned closures later in the week for the Jewish New Year holidays. Spokesperson Michael Rachlin confirmed these additional days off while noting increased security measures would also encompass the main synagogue located in downtown Copenhagen.
Henrik Goldstein, chairman of the local Jewish Community, issued a statement urging vigilance. He encouraged the community to remain judicious in their engagement with public spaces and skeptical of unverified information circulating on social media platforms. Goldstein emphasized that the community should continue to participate in Jewish life without fear.
The confounding events in Copenhagen followed a similarly alarming occurrence in Stockholm, where the Israeli Embassy was closed off after the report of a loud noise on the previous night. Subsequent police investigations revealed that the disturbance was caused by gunfire, though no casualties were reported and no suspects have been detained.
The correlation of events in Copenhagen and Stockholm has stirred concerns over the security of Israeli establishments in the region. This sequence of incidents reflects a disturbing trend of threats targeting diplomatic missions, necessitating a reassessment of security protocols by local authorities and international bodies alike.
As investigations continue, the community and authorities alike are on high alert, reinforcing safety measures and maintaining a close watch on developments. The broader implications of these security breaches are yet to unfold as diplomatic engagements and community activities proceed under heightened scrutiny.