By: Aryeh Savir
An explosion occurred on Friday afternoon close to the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, ending India’s security apparatus in search of a terror cell that may be connected to Iran.
There were no casualties caused by the blast and no harm was caused to the embassy’s building.
The explosive charge caused damage to several cars on the street. The bomb was described as small and crude, and included pieces of metal that served as shrapnel.
An unknown group called “Jaish ul Hind” claimed responsibility for the attack, and in a letter addressed to Israel’s Ambassador in India Ron Malks, said the attack was only a promo to further attacks and was carried out in retaliation for the US’ assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, and the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a prominent Iranian nuclear and weapons, attributed to Israel.
However, Indian officials believe this is a false flag meant to steer them away from the Iran angle.
The event is being investigated by the Indian authorities who are in contact with Israeli officials. The Mossad is in the loop.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry is being updated on the situation and has issued a directive to take all necessary precautions. Israel has heightened its security around the world following the attack.
India’s security services are closely examining Iran’s involvement in the attack. According to counter-terrorism officials in New Delhi, there is enough information to point to Tehran’s involvement in the blast.
A security camera near the embassy recorded two people getting out of a taxi near the place where the explosive was planted. The taxi driver was located and testified and was able to provide the police with a sketch of the two suspects.
The India Today TV network reported that Indian security forces have questioned several Iranian citizens on suspicion of involvement in placing the explosive device near the Israeli embassy.
Security officials in India have contacted the country’s Bureau of Immigration and have asked for details on all Iranian citizens who have entered India in recent weeks.
An Israeli intelligence source is quoted as saying that the attack “was intended for us for sure, there is probably a connection and direction from Iran.”
Iran has previously targeted Israel’s diplomatic mission in India. On February 13, 2012, three members of the Qods forces targeted Tal Yehoshua Koren, the wife of the Israeli Defense Attaché, with a magnetic bomb attached to her car while she was on her way to pick up her children from school.
Yehoshua Koren sustained moderate injuries that required surgery to remove shrapnel while her Indian driver and two bystanders suffered minor injuries. (TPS)
