New Delhi:  The National Investigation Agency has begun its inquiry into an as-yet unidentified blast near the Israel embassy in central Delhi that was reported last evening. The NIA, accompanied by armed NSG commandos, a forensics team, and a dog squad, began their inquiries outside the embassy building.

The police, meanwhile, have two suspects after examining CCTV footage from the area, news agency ANI said. Sources said the two were seen "roaming around in the area" but their role in the incident is unclear at this time. Police are trying to establish their identity and what were they doing, sources said.

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

On Tuesday evening police were told of a blast near the embassy, the area around which has seen increased security due to the war in Gaza.Police teams, a canine unit, and explosives experts were rushed to Chanakyapuri, where several nations have embassies or consulates. 

An initial sweep revealed nothing but, a more thorough search found an "abusive" letter to the Israeli ambassador that was wrapped in a flag. Sources have since told NDTV that the letter was in English and used "indecent" words, and that it contained the name of a group called "Sir Allah Resistance".

Israeli official Ohad Nakash Kaynar posted on X confirming the blast and said that all diplomats and workers in the embassy were safe. An embassy spokesperson said the blast was at 5.48 pm.

Tel Aviv has put out an advisory for Israelis in India, and particularly in New Delhi. The advisory asks Israeli nationals to avoid crowded places and asks them to "avoid externalising Israeli symbols".

"Avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure. Avoid posting trip details on social networks and posting photos and visit details before the trip and in real time," the advisory said.