Israel embassy blast: CCTV shows 2 suspects

New Delhi, December 27: A powerful explosion rattled the vicinity near the Israel embassy in New Delhi on Monday, prompting escalated security measures in the area. Although the embassy has confirmed the incident, fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported from the blast.

According to sources, CCTV cameras captured footage of two suspects in the vicinity of the blast site. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to track their movements and apprehend them. Additionally, the Delhi Police is meticulously reviewing footage from surrounding cameras, piecing together the suspects' potential route to the embassy, and seeking potential accomplices.

Notably, amidst the aftermath, a typed letter addressed to the Israeli embassy's Ambassador, adorned with an Israeli flag, was discovered near the blast site, as disclosed by sources to India Today TV. The letter, scripted in English, explicitly denounces Israel's actions in Gaza and ominously refers to 'revenge'. Sources further revealed that a group identifying itself as "Sir Allah Resistance" purportedly claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Following the blast, the immediate area was briefly cordoned off but was subsequently reopened. The Delhi Police promptly launched a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the explosion near the Israel embassy.

Explosion near Israel embassy in New Delhi triggers heightened security measures 

Explosion Incident:

• A loud explosion occurred near the Embassy of Israel in Chanakyapuri around 5 pm on Tuesday.
  An unidentified caller informed the Delhi Police about the blast, claiming it took place on an empty plot behind the mission.

Police Response:

• Bomb squads and special police teams swiftly reached the spot to investigate, conducting a thorough search.
  Despite the deployment, no suspicious items or materials were found at the location.

Confirmation by Israel Embassy:

• The Israel embassy confirmed the incident, stating that the blast happened around 5:08 pm.
  Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir mentioned that an investigation is underway, and the Delhi Police and security teams are actively handling the situation.
  Importantly, no embassy staff members were injured during the incident.

Discovery of Letter:

• During an extensive search, a letter wrapped in an Israeli flag was discovered near the blast site.
  The one-page typed letter, described as "abusive," strongly criticised Israel's actions in Gaza and mentioned revenge.
  The police have not disclosed further details about the content of the letter.

Forensic Examination:

• Experts examined the site and collected exhibits deemed to have evidentiary relevance, which are now sent for forensic examination, as per the Delhi Police statement.
  No traces of burnt explosives were found at the location, leading experts to consider the possibility of a "chemical explosion."

NIA Involvement:

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA), an anti-terror probe agency, also examined the site in collaboration with local authorities.

International Cooperation:

• The Israeli foreign ministry affirmed cooperation with Indian counterparts to investigate the cause of the explosion.
  Israeli missions worldwide have been on high alert since Israel's conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas.

Security Measures:

• Security was intensified around the embassy and other Israeli establishments in India following the incident.
  Chanakyapuri, the diplomatic neighborhood where the blast occurred, houses foreign missions of various countries.

Historical Context:

• This incident follows a blast near the embassy in 2021 that damaged multiple cars.
  In February 2012, a bomb planted under an Israeli embassy car injured a diplomat's wife, marking a previous security incident.