Two Suspected IS Fighters Arrested in Germany

German police have arrested two Iraqi nationals in North Rhine-Westphalia on suspicion of membership in the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization. The suspects, aged 29 and 46, were arrested in Höxter and Bottrop on Thursday morning.

The Düsseldorf General Prosecutor’s Office and North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office had been investigating the pair since March. They are suspected of having fought for IS in Iraq from at least mid-2015 until the end of 2016 and of repeatedly taking part in armed clashes in which people were killed.

Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) identified the suspects after receiving information that led investigators to evidence recovered from a conflict zone. Bild reported that their names appeared on a newly obtained IS list forming part of so-called battlefield evidence.

Such evidence can include documents recording which IS units individuals belonged to and payments made to fighters.

Police searched both suspects’ homes and seized mobile phones and laptops. Investigators are examining the devices for evidence of possible plans for attacks or other activities in Germany. Authorities said there were no indications of such plans so far.

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