Two of Sarajevo’s largest shopping centers were temporarily shut down and evacuated after police received bomb threats targeting the buildings, prompting an immediate security response in the city center. The alerts affected Sarajevo City Center and Alta Shopping Center, both located near key state institutions, including the national parliament and the Council of Ministers.
According to officials from the Sarajevo Canton Interior Ministry, the threats were sent by email to the police and several media outlets. The message claimed that explosive devices had been placed inside both malls, alleging that one kilogram of explosives was located in SCC and two kilograms, with a remote detonator, in Alta. Police spokeswoman Mersiha Novalić said the credibility of the threats and the situation on the ground were being checked through security inspections.
Authorities said the case had also been reported to the competent prosecutor, while police teams were deployed to examine the sites and carry out the necessary procedures. The incident added to public concern in Sarajevo, where similar threats in recent years have repeatedly caused evacuations and major disruption, even when no explosive devices were ultimately found.
For now, the focus remains on verifying the threat and securing the affected areas. Until inspections are completed, the incident is being treated as a serious security matter by local authorities.
