Sweden’s SAPO security service announced on Friday, May 23, a reduction in its national terrorist threat warning, bringing it back to the “elevated” level, a classification last seen before 2023. This change follows a period during which the terror threat level significantly worsened in response to a series of Koran burnings that sparked widespread international condemnation and unrest.
SAPO had previously elevated the terror threat level to “high,” which is the second-highest tier. This escalation occurred after several high-profile incidents where anti-Islam activists in Sweden publicly burned copies of the holy book, inciting outrage among Muslims across numerous countries.
According to SAPO, after a period where Sweden was specifically highlighted as a target in militant propaganda, it is now increasingly being perceived as part of the broader Western world.
Charlotte von Essen, head of SAPO, stated during a news conference, “Sweden has gone from being a priority target to a legitimate target for violent Islamism globally.”
She emphasized that the “threat of attacks from violent extremism, in the traditional sense, is not as high as before,” while also stressing that Sweden remains vulnerable and attacks could still occur irrespective of the current terror level assessment. This new assessment suggests a recalibration of how violent extremism views Sweden within the global landscape.
International Backlash and Incidents Following Koran Burnings
The Koran burnings in 2023 provoked severe reactions internationally. Angry protesters stormed and vandalized Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad, and various militant groups, including Hezbollah, al Shabaab, and al Qaeda, issued calls for violence.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly demanded severe punishment for those responsible for the burnings, asserting that Sweden was in a state of conflict with the Muslim world.
Adding to the complexities, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee responsible for many of the Koran burnings in Sweden in recent years, was found shot dead in January. While the murder remains unsolved, police suspect a connection to his anti-Islam activities.
The Increased Threats to Jewish and Israeli Targets Amidst Gaza Conflict
In a related development, SAPO also reported an increase in threats to Jews and Israeli targets in Sweden since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas-led fighters. This attack had been what sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, creating a heightened sense of concern for specific communities and interests within Sweden.
This shows a broader impact of global conflicts on national security assessments. This recent lowering of the general terror threat for Sweden does not negate the specific as there are rising threats identified for these particular groups.
