Norway raises terror threat level amid escalating Middle East conflict

Norway has elevated its terror threat level to the second-highest rating due to heightened risks of attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets, the national police directorate announced on Tuesday.

The decision comes amid growing concerns tied to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The police security service (PST) has raised the threat level from "moderate" to "high," marking it at level four on a five-point scale, where level five signifies imminent danger. The increase in threat assessment follows recent security incidents in neighboring countries. In Denmark, two men were charged for detonating hand grenades near Israel's Copenhagen embassy, and Sweden is investigating a suspected shooting near the Israeli embassy in Stockholm.

In response, Norwegian police, who are typically unarmed, will now carry firearms nationwide.

National Police Commissioner Benedicte Bjoernland acknowledged the increased likelihood of terrorism attempts, stating that authorities have implemented several measures to protect the public.

"The escalation of the Middle East conflict has intensified the threat, particularly against Jewish and Israeli targets," said Norwegian police in a statement. The increase reflects similar security concerns in Sweden, which last year raised its terror alert following incidents of Quran burnings that provoked threats from jihadist groups.