Official statements from European governments or law enforcement agencies

Iran Recruits Minors for Attacks on Israeli and Jewish Targets in Sweden, Belgium, Norway

Dec 21, 2024, 02:10 PM

Iranian-linked operatives are reportedly recruiting minors to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets across Europe, according to a Bloomberg report. Incidents in Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have highlighted a pattern of Tehran expanding its proxy war against Israel into European territories. In Sweden, a 15-year-old boy attempted to attack the Israeli embassy in Stockholm with a loaded gun, while a 13-year-old fired shots at Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company, in Gothenburg. Another incident involved a 16-year-old planting explosives at the same facility. These attacks are part of a broader effort by Iran to exploit local vulnerabilities in Europe, using social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok to recruit young criminals. The financial incentives range from €120 for petrol bomb attacks to €1,500 for more serious crimes. European authorities are concerned about the exploitation of minors and the potential for increased attacks, especially in countries with large immigrant communities like Sweden and Norway.