BREAKING NEWS- Minor blast near Israeli embassy, several states on alert; Israel says 'terrorist incident'
A very low-intensity blast occurred near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, No injuries have been reported so far. Delhi Police said the blast appears to be a "mischievous attempt to create a sensation".
Ablast occurred near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi and three vehicles were damaged in it. The Delhi Police said no injuries have been reported so far. It said the "very low-intensity blast" occurred at 5.05 pm. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police Special Cell have reached the blast spot to investigate the matter.
The entire area has been cordoned-off and heavy deployment of police forces has been made. A team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has also been rushed to beef up security around the Israeli embassy.
"A very low-intensity improvised device went off at 5.05pm near 5 APJ Abdul Kalam Road near Jindal house. No injury to any person has been reported nor any damage to property was witnessed, except windowpanes of some vehicles parked nearby," the Delhi Police said in a statement.
It added, "Initial impressions suggest this was a mischievous attempt to create a sensation."
This blast at the Israel embassy in New Delhi comes on a day when India and Israel celebrate 29 years of India-Israel diplomatic relations.
Where did the blast occur?
Police said the blast occurred on a pavement about 150 metres from the Israeli embassy and windscreen of some cars were damaged in the explosion. Sources said the explosive was kept between the pavement and bushes when it went off.
This location is less than 2 km from Vijay Chowk, where the Beating Retreat ceremony was being held today. The ceremony was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.
What's the security situation at Israeli embassy?
Meanwhile, security has been enhanced in the area around the Israeli embassy. The NIA, Delhi Police Special Cell and senior police officials have reached the spot.
The bomb disposal squad of the National Security Guard (NSG) are on standby. Some samples have already been collected from the blast spot. It is still not clear if any terror organisation or an individual was behind the attack.
Latest updates on blast at Israeli embassy
8:50 pm: Alert has been sounded in Haridwar after the blast in Delhi. As per SSP Haridwar, the entire police force has been alerted as the blast in Delhi took place just ahead of Mahakumbh which will be held in the holy town of Haridwar.
8:39 pm: Alerts have been issued across Uttar Pradesh including Ayodhya after the blast near the Israeli embassy in Delhi.
8:38 pm: Senior officers of NIA reach blast spot. NIA's forensic team is examining the spot. Sources said, there is information of only one IED.
NSG's National Bomb Data Center (NBDC) will be sent after the collection of forensic evidence, sources said, adding that phone call details of the last 36 hours near Israel embassy are being investigated.
8:37 pm: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke yo the head of Israeli National Security Council, Meir Ben Shabbat, and provided an update on the efforts made by India to investigate the bombing near the Israeli Embassy in India.
8.00 pm: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he has spoken to the state home minister and Directorate General of Police and has given directions of tighten security in Mumbai and Pune.
7.55 pm: Meanwhile, Israel has said it is treating the blast near its embassy in New Delhi as a "terrorist incident". Quoting an Israeli official, Reuters reported, "Israel is treating a small bomb blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Friday, which did not injure anyone, as a terrorist incident."
7.42 pm: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a tweet said he has spken to his Israeli counterpart about the blast outside the Israeli embassy.
"Spoke just now to Israeli FM @Gabi_Ashkenazi about the explosion outside the Israeli Embassy. We take this very seriously. Assured him of the fullest protection for the Embassy and Israeli diplomats. Matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits."
7.35 pm: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet said agencies are determining the nature of blast and any attempt to disturb peace in Delhi should be firmly dealt with.
"Concerned by the news of a blast near Israeli Embassy in Delhi. Agencies are determining the nature and cause of the blast. Thankfully, no loss of life reported yet. Any attempt to disturb the peace of Delhi shud be firmly dealt with," Arvind kejriwal tweeted.
7.20 pm: In a statement, Israel's foreign ministry said, "An explosion occurred recently near the Israeli embassy in India. There were no casualties in the blast, and no damage to the building. The incident is under investigation by the authorities in India, who are in contact with the relevant Israeli authorities."
7.10 pm: Sources have told India Today TV that the improvised device used to trigger the blast was found in a flowerpot on a road divider near Jindal House near the Israel embassy.
7.08 pm: As a precautionary measure, authorities have beefed up security at the Israeli consulate in Mumbai. Speaking to India Today TV, police officials in Mumbai said a team from Colaba police station has visited the Chabad House and additional deployment of cops is being made.
7.05 pm: Israeli envoy speaks to India Today
Speaking to India Today TV soon after the blast, Israeli envoy to India Ambassador Ron Malka said, "Everybody in the embassy is safe. We are all fine. The mission is on high alert. We are cooperating with Delhi Police authorities and are in touch with MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)."
7.00 pm: All airports on alert
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued an alert at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of blast reported near the Israel embassy in Delhi.