Security Chief: Iran May Have Been Involved in the Attacks

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Security Chief: Iran May Have Been Involved in the Attacks
Photo: Oscar Olsson/TT

Iran may have been involved in the attacks on Israel's embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, according to Säpo. There are some indications that it could be the case, partly based on target selection and modus operandi, says Säpo's operational chief Fredrik Hallström.

According to information provided to the media, the police suspect that the network Foxtrot, led by Rawa Majid, is behind the attacks in Stockholm and Copenhagen – on behalf of Iran.

The Security Service has previously established that Iran uses criminals in Sweden to carry out violent acts, including targeting Jewish and Israeli interests.

According to Fredrik Hallström, it is an "objective hypothesis" that Iran may have been involved in the attacks last week.

Since it resembles what has happened on previous occasions, i.e., target selection and modus operandi. Target selection based on Israeli targets, and modus operandi through gang criminals attacking that type of target, he says.

He says it is an assumption rather than factual knowledge.

Does not confirm connection

In response to the question of what young Swedes would otherwise have as a reason to attack an Israeli embassy in Denmark, Hallström replies:

Yes, one can ask oneself.

Two Swedish citizens, 16 and 19 years old, were arrested on Thursday suspected of the attack in Denmark. According to SvD, the police suspect that one of the suspects first fired shots at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm, before taking the train south with the mission to carry out the bombing at the embassy in Copenhagen.

The police do not want to say whether there is a connection between the attacks.

We will not tell more about the investigations today. We want to have the best possible conditions for the investigation to succeed and achieve results. When the investigation situation allows, we will release the details, says Johan Olsson, head of the police's national operational department (Noa).

The case in Stockholm is being investigated as aggravated weapons offense, reckless endangerment, aggravated unlawful threats, and vandalism.

Sharing in real-time

No one has been arrested yet, but Olsson suggests that the work is going well.

We are optimistic about the possibilities of solving this crime.

The police state that they have good cooperation with Denmark, where they share information in real-time and support each other's investigations.

Fredrik Hallström says that the shooting confirms the need to remain at a high terror alert level, even though it is not currently being investigated as a terrorist crime.

The uncertain world and the escalation in the Middle East are again making themselves felt and continue to affect Swedish security, he says.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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