Germany: Islamist gang planned to kill Christians and burn down churches

In the middle of Germany, a group of underage IS supporters have probably arranged to carry out terrorist attacks on Easter via a chat group. The two boys and four girls aged between 13 and 16, who have now been identified, are said to have planned attacks on churches, pubs, a synagogue and a police station in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bild newspaper reported. They are all in custody. Specifically, targets in the town of Iserlohn were recently targeted.

Initially, the state security service became aware of Albina H. from Iserlohn, who was in contact with three like-minded girls from Düsseldorf and Munich, including 15-year-old Wiam S. Her father Tijani S. is already known to the police as an IS sympathiser. Six years ago, the authorities investigated the now 44-year-old on suspicion of financing terrorism. He is said to have collected donations for IS. A year later, they discovered an illegal firearm in his car.

A raid on the home of Wiam S., during which a machete and a dagger were seized, led the investigators to other terror suspects. The police discovered the chat group on a confiscated mobile phone, which led to the further identification of 15-year-old Julius S. from Lippstadt and 16-year-old Yusa P. from Baden-Württemberg. Julius S., who had not been known to the police before, is believed to have been the head of the gang.

The IS supporters wanted to kill as many “infidels” as possible with their attacks. The plan was to use knives and incendiary devices. Finally, the gang considered how they could obtain firearms. Those involved are currently in custody on charges of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state.

Geplante Terroranschläge: Jugendliche Islamisten-Zelle ausgehoben (jungefreiheit.de)