BERLIN, Germany: In western Germany, authorities have detained two teenage girls and a boy suspected of planning an Islamist attack. The trio, aged between 15 and 16, are believed to have been preparing an attack motivated by Islamist extremism, with intentions to commit murder and manslaughter. Prosecutors in Duesseldorf have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details about the alleged plot have not yet been disclosed.
According to Germany’s largest newspaper Bild, the suspects were allegedly considering carrying out Molotov cocktail and knife attacks in the name of the Islamic State group. Their intended targets were said to be Christians and police officers. The report also suggested that the individuals were contemplating obtaining firearms for their plans.
Germany has been on heightened alert for Islamist threats since tensions escalated during the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. The country’s domestic intelligence chief has warned of an increased risk of such attacks, especially as Germany prepares to host the European football championships from mid-June to mid-July.
Earlier this year, German authorities thwarted another suspected attack targeting the Cologne cathedral on New Year’s Eve. The suspects in that case were reported to be affiliated with the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the same group responsible for the deadly massacre at a Moscow concert hall in March.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has emphasized the persistent threat posed by Islamist terrorism, highlighting IS-K as the primary Islamist threat in Germany at present.
Despite a slight decline in the number of individuals considered Islamist extremists in Germany from 2021 to 2022, the danger remains significant. Germany’s involvement in international coalitions against groups like ISIS has made it a target for jihadist organizations, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by authorities.
