Cyprus police detain 4 after small explosion outside Israeli embassy

Police in Cyprus said Saturday they had detained four people suspected of planting a small explosive device that caused no damage near the Israeli Embassy in the capital Nicosia.

Police said four individuals between the ages of 17 and 21 face charges of attempted destruction of property with explosives, possession and use of explosives and possession of a knife.

Police did not indicate whether the blast, which occurred about 30 meters from the Israeli embassy, was linked to the war in Gaza. Security has been beefed up in the European Union since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent fighting.

The suspects will be presented before a court in Nicosia on Saturday to decide on the length of their detention before formal charges are laid against them or their release.

According to police, two suspects were spotted in the vicinity of the blast site, while two others were sitting in a vehicle parked in a nearby alley. Two knives and a hammer were also found inside the vehicle.

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