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Terror alarm in Karlsruhe: Police arrest IS sympathizers!
Karlsruhe: Two Lebanese and one Turk arrested on suspicion of IS terrorism. Investigations are ongoing, there is no danger to the public.
Terror alarm in Karlsruhe: Police arrest IS sympathizers!
Shortly after the news about the arrest of alleged IS terrorists became public, Germany discussed the threat of terrorism and security measures. In a coordinated operation, emergency services from Baden-Württemberg and Hesse took three young men, including two Lebanese brothers aged 15 and 20 and a 20-year-old Turkish man, into custody. These arrests took place on Sunday, as the Karlsruhe public prosecutor announced the following Tuesday.
How Young freedom reported, the suspects had already made concrete preparations for a terrorist attack, supported by their deep-rooted sympathy for the Islamic State. The evidence found is impressive: an assault rifle with ammunition, tactical vests, knives, balaclavas and electronic devices such as cell phones and data carriers, which are currently being examined. But the authorities gave the all-clear: there was never any acute danger, the public prosecutor's office assures.
Increased security measures required
The investigations are supported by the interior ministers from both affected federal states. Thomas Strobl from Baden-Württemberg emphasizes the vigilance of the security forces: “Our structures work – even across national borders.” His Hessian colleague Roman Poseck also emphasizes that this case illustrates the tension of the current security situation and he calls for more powers for the security authorities. A suitable security package is already in the legislative process.
Both ministers did not address the suspects' migration background or their sympathy for the Islamic State in their statements. Perhaps this is a sign of the politically sensitive discussion about integration and religious extremism that has been preoccupying Germany for some time.
An alarm signal for society?
But the arrest of these suspected terrorists continues to keep the public in suspense. The threatening image of two brothers, reinforced by the idea of a young person who is apparently caught in the clutches of radical ideologies, stirs up society. It seems the threat was more tangible than some thought YouTube indicated in videos documenting the arrest.
The discussion about the balance between security and freedom, about integration and radicalization will certainly continue. Nevertheless, the praise for the quick and effective measures taken by the security forces, which were able to prevent something worse from happening, remains an important signal to everyone involved: the fight against terror on German soil has consequences.