Sweden Sees Rise in Grenade Attacks Amid Gang Violence
Swedish gang violence shifts from shootings to explosions and arson attacks. Police report 119 explosions this year, nearly double 2022's numbers. Criminals now use smuggled grenades and homemade Molotov cocktails when explosives become scarce.
Explosions remain at high levels across Sweden. Police report fewer incidents involving civilian explosives but more hand grenades and arson attacks. Criminals now often buy gasoline at stations to make Molotov cocktails, according to Mats Berggren, deputy chief at the National Operations Department.
Shooting violence has decreased while explosions continue. Sweden recorded 119 explosions through August this year. That compares to just 62 during the same period in 2022.
What changed in gang tactics? Criminals now frequently use pyrotechnics or old hand grenades that often malfunction, said National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh.
Most hand grenades come from other countries and enter Sweden through smuggling networks. Berggren noted clear patterns in their use. New shipments of grenades lead to increased deployment in conflict violence. When grenades become scarce, gangs turn more to arson.
Police bomb technicians recently disabled several hand grenades in Malmö during September operations. Swedish cities continue grappling with organized crime adapting its methods despite government efforts.
This shift toward more accessible weapons shows criminal networks finding new ways to maintain violence. The situation reveals ongoing challenges in controlling weapon flows across European borders.