Germany detains 17-year-old Syrian accused of planning terrorist attack

A 17-year-old teenager has been arrested in Hamburg, Germany, on suspicion of preparing an attack on a shopping mall, a bar, or a police station, according to prosecutors.

The prosecutor’s office in Germany’s second-largest city said the Syrian national was detained on Thursday, May 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Associated Press (AP).

Investigators believe he was influenced by the terrorist group ISIS and was planning an attack intended to kill an unspecified number of “infidels” using explosives, Molotov cocktails, or a knife. The suspect purchased fertiliser, lighter fluid, a balaclava, and a knife. These items were seized during searches carried out last week.

He is suspected of preparing a terrorist act and financing terrorism.

The prosecutor’s office also said that in a separate investigation, a psychiatric evaluation had previously been ordered in relation to possible violations of German association laws and other offences. Further details were not disclosed.

By Jeyhun Aghazada