Terror attack on Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan thwarted

Authorities said the men were in direct contact with ISIS-K elements and were intercepted following what was described as a special and sensitive intelligence operation.

By World Israel News Staff

Azerbaijan’s security authorities have revealed new details about a foiled terror plot targeting the Israeli Embassy in Baku, crediting a complex intelligence operation with preventing an attack on Israel’s diplomatic mission and its staff.

According to Azerbaijani officials, the plot was uncovered after investigators developed concrete suspicions that several individuals were preparing a terrorist attack motivated by religious hostility. The suspects were detained in a security operation before they could carry out their plans.

A statement from Azerbaijan’s State Security Service said three men, whose identities were released, had coordinated with operatives from Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), obtained weapons, and advanced plans to attack a foreign diplomatic mission.

Authorities said the men were in direct contact with ISIS-K elements and were intercepted following what was described as a special and sensitive intelligence operation.

The exposure of the plot came as Israel’s diplomatic engagement with Azerbaijan continues to deepen. On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar departed for a state visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, accompanied by a large Israeli business and economic delegation, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

During his visit to Baku, Sa’ar met with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and other senior Azerbaijani officials. He also met with leaders of the local Jewish community, which is estimated to number between 16,000 and 30,000 people.