German Police Arrest Syrian Teen Over Suspected Attack Plot

German authorities have arrested a 17-year-old Syrian national suspected of planning a terrorist attack in Hamburg, prosecutors said on Monday.

According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, the teenager allegedly planned to kill an unspecified number of “non-believers” using explosives, Molotov cocktails or a knife. Investigators said possible targets included public places such as a shopping mall, a bar or a police station.

The suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention. A court issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence and financing terrorism.

Prosecutors said the teenager had already obtained materials that could be used in an attack, including fertilizer, liquid fire starter, a balaclava and a knife. He was arrested by special police units on 7 May and the items were seized during a search of his residence.

Authorities believe the Islamic State group inspired the planned attack. The investigation was supported by intelligence from Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), domestic intelligence agency (BfV) and federal and regional criminal police.

The case also involves an earlier investigation into possible legal violations during which authorities ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect.

(est)