Austrian authorities have detained an 18-year-old man with Macedonian roots in the state of Styria, following suspicions of planning attacks against Western societies. The Styria State Police Directorate announced the arrest on Tuesday.
The investigation against the man was initiated by the Styria State Office for Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (LSE) following a tip from an international partner agency. The suspect, residing in Bruck-Mürzzuschlag, is alleged to have been researching bomb-making instructions online and maintaining contact with a foreign Islamist terrorist organization.
A warrant for his arrest was issued by the public prosecutor’s office. The individual was apprehended upon entering Austria on Sunday. During questioning, the suspect attempted to downplay the intent behind the suspected attack plans. He has been remanded in custody at a correctional facility under the order of the public prosecutor’s office and remains in detention pending further proceedings. A formal request for pre-trial detention has already been submitted.
