Quite disappointing
‘Possible terror attack’: Israel issues travel advisory for India after ‘blast’ call near embassy in New Delhi
Hours after a suspected explosion outside the Israel Embassy in New Delhi and a letter addressed to the ambassador at the site, Tel Aviv has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India, suspecting that the blast near the embassy was “a possible terror attack”.
“We can confirm that around 5:48 pm, there was a blast in close proximity to the embassy. Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation. The recommendations of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday, which come amid concerns of a recurrence of events, apply especially to New Delhi,” Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir was quoted by news agency PTI.
Israeli nationals have been warned to try to avoid going to crowded places (malls and markets) and places identified as serving Westerners/Jews and Israelis.
#WATCH | Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India, Ohad Nakash Kaynar says, “This is evening several minutes after 5, an explosion occurred in close proximity of the Embassy. All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi… pic.twitter.com/jqQSTJMgKQ
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023
They have also been urged to be on heightened alert in public places (including restaurants, hotels, pubs, etc).
The recommendations also suggest avoiding openly displaying Israeli symbols, refraining from attending unsecured large-scale events, and avoiding publicising itineraries on social media as well as photographs and details of visits in real-time.
The Delhi Police on Tuesday first received a call about the “blast” behind the embassy around 5.45 pm, following which teams of the district staff, Special Cell, and the Delhi Fire Services were rushed to the spot. However, a senior police officer said there were no signs of a fire or blast. A dog squad and bomb disposal squad was also brought in, officials said.
In January 2021, there had been another scare near the embassy, when a low-intensity blast took place there. A Delhi Police team had also found a letter addressed “to Israel embassy ambassador” at the spot. The probe was eventually handed over to the NIA, which is yet to make a breakthrough.
Express Web Desk – 2023-12-27 07:27