Seven detained In Western Germany over suspected terrorist cell

Seven citizens of Central Asian countries were detained in Germany on suspicion of creating a terrorist group. Two more citizens of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, who are suspected of plotting terrorist attacks, were arrested in the Netherlands.

A group of seven people (all citizens of Central Asian countries) were arrested on July 6 in North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany on suspicion of terrorism, according to the website of the German Public Prosecutor’s office.

According to prosecutors, the suspects allegedly established a terrorist group in Germany and financially supported the Islamic State.

The statement says that arrested persons include two citizens of Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, and five citizens of Tajikistan. The suspects “have known each other for a long time and share radical Islamic views,” the prosecutor's office said.

According to law enforcement officers, the detainees entered Germany from Ukraine in the spring of 2022, shortly after the beginning of the Russian invasion, and planned to stage “high-profile terrorist attacks.” They had identified targets for the attack and tried to acquire weapons, the statement said.

At the same time, two citizens of Central Asia were detained in the Netherlands on suspicion of terrorism. The statement posted on the website of the Public Prosecutor’s office says that this is a married couple comprising a citizen of Tajikistan (29 years old) and a citizen of Kyrgyzstan (31 years old).

Both detainees are suspected of preparing terrorist attacks, although at the time of their arrest “they did not have concrete plans.” The man is also suspected of being a member of ISIS.