Planned terror attacks against Jewish institutions – weapons seized during raid
German authorities have arrested three men suspected of being members of Hamas, accused of plotting terror attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions across Germany. The coordinated operation took place in Berlin, Leipzig, and Oberhausen, led by the Federal Anti-Terrorism Unit after months of surveillance.
According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, two of the suspects are German citizens, while the third is a Lebanese-born man. Intelligence sources confirm the men had been under close observation for several months, linked to the preparation of serious acts of violence endangering the state.
During the arrests, police seized an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock handgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators believe the suspects may have been part of a larger terror cell with ties to foreign militant organizations, potentially operating across Western Europe. The prosecutor has charged them with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing acts of terrorism.
Authorities have increased security at Jewish synagogues, schools, and cultural centers, warning that the threat level remains elevated. “This was a preemptive strike against an imminent danger,” said a senior German intelligence officer.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, Hamas denied any connection to the arrested men, claiming the accusations were “completely unfounded.” The group insisted it had “no links” to the suspects and accused the German government of “politicizing” the arrests.
However, German media outlets, including Der Spiegel, reported that evidence from wiretaps and intercepted communications supports the claim of Hamas affiliation. Officials say the arrests reflect the growing risk of international extremist networks exploiting tensions in the Middle East to plan attacks on European soil.
The arrests come amid heightened concern across Europe, following recent warnings from EU security agencies about the rise of anti-Semitic violence and radical Islamist plots connected to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
