In Germany they managed to prevent a terrorist attack on the Israeli embassy, organized by a Libyan citizen associated with the terrorist group “Islamic State” (IS).
This became known on October 19 during a press conference of the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office, at which press secretary Michael Ramöller spoke, and updated details have recently emerged.
Ramöller said police operations were carried out that day in two cities: Bernau, near Berlin, and St. Augustin, near Bonn. During the operation in Bernau, a suspect was arrested on charges of participating in the activities of a foreign terrorist organization. In San Agustín, however, witnesses were questioned and possible evidence was confiscated.
The detained Libyan had not previously drawn the attention of authorities and was not considered a threat. However, they found him thanks to information received from foreign intelligence services. They intercepted correspondence that spoke of plans to attack the Israeli embassy in Berlin. It is not entirely clear what exact means of attack the suspect was going to use: firearms or explosives.
At the same time, information appeared that after the attack, the Libyan planned to hide with his uncle in St. Augustine and then flee abroad. However, it is unknown if his uncle knew of his nephew’s plans. Prosecutors say at this time the uncle is not a suspect and is being treated as a witness.
The suspect arrived in Germany in November 2022 and applied for asylum in early 2023. However, his application was rejected on September 28, 2023 and the authorities intended to deport him to Libya. However, the deportation did not occur and the Libyan continued to reside in Bernau.
The Minister of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, commented on the success of the police operation:
“The security of Jewish institutions remains our priority. “This success demonstrates that those who threaten Jewish communities in Germany will not escape justice: we will find them.”
Following the arrest of a Libyan in Bernau, investigators have revealed new details of the planned attack on the Israeli embassy. According to the prosecution, the suspect intended to carry out an attack with a firearm. On Saturday night, police detained Omar A., 28, an alleged IS supporter. The investigation believes that no later than October 2024 he was planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin.
To coordinate his actions with members of the Islamic State, Omar A. used instant messaging, where he exchanged information about the preparation of a terrorist attack. Today, October 19, Omar A. must appear before a judge at the Federal Court in Karlsruhe, who will decide on his arrest. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that the arrest operation was possible thanks to information received from foreign intelligence services.
Previously, Kursor reported that the Israeli company was shocked by Germany’s anti-Semitic order.
