Following the arrest of three suspected members of the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas in Berlin, anti-terrorism investigators have also conducted searches of apartments in Leipzig, Saxony. This development has been reported by “Der Spiegel”, citing security sources.
According to the report, officers of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) had previously observed the suspects meeting in Berlin on Wednesday for what appeared to be a weapons transfer. During the arrests, police reportedly discovered functional weapons, including a Glock pistol, an AK-47 assault rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition. These weapons are currently undergoing forensic examination.
The suspects include a 36-year-old German of Lebanese origin, a 43-year-old Lebanese national whose citizenship remains unconfirmed and a 44-year-old German citizen of Syrian origin. Investigations suggest the suspects were tasked by Hamas with procuring weapons and ammunition in Germany. Security sources indicate the intention was potentially to carry out attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions within the country.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses the detained men of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and of preparing serious acts of violence that endanger the state. They are now expected to be presented to the Federal Court of Justice, which will decide on issuing arrest warrants. Attempts to reach the defense attorneys for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
