A man believed to have affiliations with the Islamic State militant organization, who was reportedly preparing for a firearms assault on the Israeli embassy in Berlin, has been apprehended.
Authorities, along with other security agencies, took the individual into custody on Saturday in Bernau, located just outside the German capital, and executed a search of his residence, as stated by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect has been identified as a Libyan national referred to only as Omar A. in official communications.
“He aimed to execute a prominent attack using firearms targeting the Israeli embassy in Berlin,” the announcement specified.
According to the statement, “in his preparations, the accused communicated with an IS member through a messaging application”.
Additionally, another search was conducted at the residence of an individual regarded as a witness rather than a suspect, as noted by the prosecutor’s office.
“Our security agencies acted in a timely manner to prevent potential plans for an assault on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated.
“This emphasizes that safeguarding Jewish and Israeli institutions in our nation is essential and holds the highest priority for us.”
A police vehicle in Sankt Augustin. Pic: AP
The accused is anticipated to face an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, which is the highest court in the nation, on Sunday, as indicated by the prosecutor’s office.
The publication Bild was the first to report on this incident, noting that an elite police squad heavily armed executed a raid on the suspect’s residence in Bernau.
According to the publication, German officials were acting on information provided by a foreign intelligence agency.
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“We are proceeding with the utmost caution and focus considering the significant threat posed by Islamist, antisemitic, and anti-Israel violence,” Ms. Faeser emphasized.
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor expressed gratitude towards the German security officials “for ensuring the safety of our embassy”.
