Montenegro – Grenade Thrown at US Embassy Compound, Attacker Blows Himself Up
The US Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro issued a security alert on Wednesday, after a former Serbian Army trooper threw a hand grenade into the government yard and then blew himself up. The attacker was identified as Dalibor Jaukovic by a relative, and only identified by his initials D.J. by authorities. No US personnel were harmed in the incident because the embassy was closed at the time, and the grenade only left a small crater in the yard.
Screenshot of map
US State Dept photo of US Embassy
The embassy cancelled all visa appointments for February 22, and stated that interviews will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Services for Americans will be handled on an emergency basis. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
Suicide bomber
#Montenegro:
Ex-Soldier of the Serbian Army throws a grenade at the #US Embassy and comitts suicide.https://t.co/DOKqqa1Soo pic.twitter.com/b0npA9xiTn— Eliannuminas (@Eliannuminas) February 22, 2018
Facebook posts suggested that Jaukovic was strongly against NATO, and influenced heavily by dictator Slobodan Milosevic. He was born in Serbia and resided in Montenegro. Friends described him as a “good patriot.”
When Montenegro split from Yugoslavia, which was made up of Montenegro and Serbia, and began aligning with Western interests (NATO) in May of 2017, pro-Russian forces tried to topple the fledgling legislature. Two Russian agents are currently on trial in the capital city for that attempt in 2016. But the NATO has not been particularly popular in some areas, particularly after they began intervention in the Kosovo War, bombing Yugoslavia in 1999.
Twitter responses and Embassy information:
The Embassy alert read:
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Podgorica, Montenegro (February 22, 2018)
Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
Event: The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica. Avoid the Embassy until further notice.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the area around the U.S. Embassy.
Monitor local media for updates. - Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Employ sound security practices.
We are grateful for the close cooperation with our partner and ally, the Government of Montenegro, and we thank the #Montenegrin #police for their ongoing professional support with the investigation of today’s incident.
— US Embassy Podgorica (@USEmbassyMNE) February 22, 2018
.@USEmbassyMNE confirms there was a small explosion near the U.S. Embassy compound at approximately midnight local time on February 22. The Embassy is currently conducting an internal review to confirm the safety of all staff.
— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) February 22, 2018
U.S. Embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica. Avoid the Embassy until further notice. Follow @USEmbassyMNE and @TravelGov for updates. https://t.co/LIrKnCAD87
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 22, 2018
#SecurityAlert #Podgorica #Montenegro https://t.co/xIR0Cc1Ow2
— US Embassy Podgorica (@USEmbassyMNE) February 22, 2018
Breaking News: Grenade attack at US Embassy in Montenegro. Attacker confirmed deceased. pic.twitter.com/BChTsuSeOK
— Worldmission196 (@petch12321) February 22, 2018
US Embassy in Montenegro attacked with grenade, prompting security scarehttps://t.co/kw84Bbto2S
— Nation of the Most High 🇺🇸✊ (@UncontionalLove) February 22, 2018
Yugoslav army veteran lobs grenade at U.S. embassy in Montenegro, then blows himself up https://t.co/RQO2L8KB8f pic.twitter.com/24xOjX0sG0
— ValuBit News (@ValuBit) February 22, 2018
