Fake bomb threats hit Croatian institutions for fifth straight day

Fake bomb threats have targeted institutions across Croatia for a fifth consecutive day, with schools and several daycare centers in Zagreb, Zadar, and Split receiving threats on Friday.

The pattern has remained the same since Monday: threats are sent by email, buildings are evacuated, and police conduct security sweeps. So far, all of the threats have proven to be false.

“We followed protocol. Students were evacuated to the playground. There was no panic or distress among the children,” said Ante Kožul, principal of Ivan Meštrović Elementary School in Zagreb.

“At around 7:20 a.m., some of our students were already in the school due to long commutes, waiting in the hallways. After notifying the police, we escorted them outside,” said Dijana Radić Škara, head of the Hotel and Tourism School in Zadar.

“I sent them home and told them we would decide later whether afternoon classes would take place. The search has now been completed and no explosive device was found,” she added.

The Interior Ministry says the investigation is ongoing and involves international law enforcement agencies.

“In all cases so far, the threats have proven to be false. However, a comprehensive investigation is underway, involving multiple partners, as the emails originated from domains outside Croatia,” Interior Minister Davor Božinović said.

“Due to the international nature of the cooperation, the process is taking longer,” he added.