A Libyan man with alleged ties to the Islamic State has been arrested in Germany for planning a possible attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin. Authorities acted swiftly, detaining him following intelligence reports about his intentions shared via chat with an IS member. The suspect, 28, had sought asylum in Germany but was rejected. The case highlights the significant terror threat in Germany, prompting heightened security measures for Jewish and Israeli institutions amid rising anti-Semitic incidents.
A Libyan national with reported ties to IS has been arrested in connection with plans for an attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin. His detention highlights the pressing terror threat in Germany. Here’s what we know.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office took decisive action on Saturday evening, apprehending a suspect in Bernau, a town in Brandenburg, to thwart a potential Islamist attack.
What Charges Does the Suspect Face?
The suspect is believed to be a supporter of the terrorist group ‘Islamic State’ and has been accused of plotting a ‘high-profile’ assault on the Israeli embassy in Berlin, with plans reportedly in motion since October 2024. Investigators indicate that firearms were intended to be used in this attack.
Following his arrest, he was presented to an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice, which has since issued a warrant for the suspect’s detention.
Who is the Suspect?
Identified as 28-year-old Omar A. from Libya, he arrived in Germany in late 2022 and applied for asylum shortly thereafter, a request that was denied in September 2023. Security sources reveal that he did not appeal this decision.
While there is no blanket ban on deportation to Libya, executing such deportations is difficult due to unstable state structures in the country.
How Did Authorities Uncover the Plot?
The federal prosecutor’s office disclosed that the suspect had been communicating attack plans via a chat with an IS affiliate. Insights regarding this communication reportedly came from a foreign intelligence service.
German security agencies became aware of the threat just a day prior to the arrest, and further details surrounding the intricacies of the plot will likely emerge from the examination of evidence collected during the investigation.
‘The arrest came as a prompt response,’ stated Michael Götschenberg, an ARD expert on terrorist activities.
Which Additional Locations Were Involved?
Authorities conducted searches not only at the suspect’s residence in Bernau but also at an apartment in Sankt Augustin, near Bonn, which belongs to the suspect’s uncle. Reports indicate that the suspect planned to relocate to Sankt Augustin post-attack, potentially seeking to flee the country with the aid of a smuggler. The uncle is regarded as a witness rather than a suspect.
What Is the Current Terror Threat Level in Germany?
Germany’s government has issued warnings about a ‘very serious’ terrorist threat present within the country. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann asserted the government’s commitment to preventing attacks fueled by anti-Israel sentiments. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscored the significance of robust protections for Israeli and Jewish institutions across the nation.
Currently, 160 Jewish and Israeli establishments in Berlin maintain continuous police protection. While the security measures for the Israeli embassy have not been altered in response to the latest threats, police remain vigilant and are constantly reevaluating security conditions in coordination with national and international authorities.
Since the Islamist-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been a notable surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. Earlier, there was also an armed confrontation involving an 18-year-old suspect from Austria near the Israeli Consulate General in Munich, which is being investigated as a potential terrorist act.
This breaking story has been shared widely as authorities continue to manage the rising threat landscape in the region.