German police have arrested four teenagers in Munich and Düsseldorf on suspicion of being affiliated with Islamic State (IS) and plotting terrorist attacks. The group allegedly planned to target police stations and churches using knives and firebombs. Düsseldorf prosecutors said that the suspects also attempted to purchase a firearm on the dark web.
Authorities launched an investigation after intercepting communications from 16-year-old Albina and her associates, in which they expressed support for the radical Islamist group. Another suspect, 15-year-old Viam, who holds both German and Moroccan citizenship, was also implicated. Her father was previously suspected of funding terrorism and collecting money for IS in 2018.
A police raid on Viam's home uncovered daggers, machetes and messages on her phone detailing plans to attack churches and police stations in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Dortmund.
In addition to the two girls, two teenage boys were also detained. Despite the girls' arrests, the boys allegedly continued planning attacks. Their correspondence on the Telegram instant messaging app indicated a "concentrated attack" against "infidels" in Iserlohn, including synagogues, using weapons.
The girls refused to cooperate with police by disclosing their accomplices. After extensive efforts, authorities identified the group leader and instigator of the plot, a 15-year-old from Lippstadt, and later apprehended the remaining 16-year-old boy. The four have been in custody for two weeks and will face charges of plotting murderous attacks motivated by jihadist ideology.
Police expressed concern about the suspects' young age and the fact that at least two lacked Muslim or Islamist backgrounds, highlighting IS's capacity to recruit online. Additionally, the intent to attack sports bars during upcoming soccer championship games, along with IS's announced plans to launch attacks, raised further alarm.