In a recent development in Germany, three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of planning an Islamist-motivated terror attack. The teenagers, two girls aged 15 and 16, and a 15-year-old boy, were apprehended as they were believed to be plotting a terror attack and were committed to carrying it out.
According to prosecutors, the teenagers from the Dusseldorf region were planning crimes of “murder and manslaughter” as well as preparing “a serious act of violence endangering the state.” The state’s Central Office for the Prosecution of Terrorism sought an arrest warrant for the teenagers over the Easter holiday.
Although the teenagers had formed a chat group and had not yet set a date or place for the attack, investigators expressed serious concerns about the potential danger they posed. The trio allegedly planned to target worshippers in churches and police stations using knives and Molotov cocktails, following the ideology of the ISIS group. They were also considering obtaining firearms, as reported by a mass circulation daily.
This incident comes after German authorities arrested three individuals in January for an alleged plot to attack the cathedral in Cologne on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, last month, police detained two Afghan citizens linked to ISIL for allegedly planning an attack on police near the Swedish parliament in response to the burning of copies of the Quran.
In a separate incident, police in northern Germany announced a 5,000-euro ($5,330) reward for information regarding an arson attack on a synagogue in the city of Oldenburg last week.
The arrests and ongoing investigations highlight the continued threat of terrorism in Europe and the vigilance required to prevent such attacks. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain the safety and security of communities.
