Swedish police detain one on suspicion of plotting terror attack
Cops say arrest in Stockholm area unrelated to any previously ongoing cases; detainee suspected of being a member of terror group in case linked to Islamist extremism
Swedish police said on Tuesday they had apprehended one person in the Stockholm area on suspicion of preparing terrorist crimes in a case concerning violent Islamist extremism.
The person was suspected of preparation for a terrorist offense, aggravated participation in a terrorist organization, preparation for attempted murder and preparing to violate legislation on the use of explosives, police said.
The investigation was not linked to any previously ongoing cases, police said in a statement.
Police conducted the operation in the capital area on Tuesday morning and the arrest unfolded calmly, they added, without identifying the suspect or giving detail on the potential target.
Sweden in 2023 raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level and warned of threats against Swedes at home and abroad after public burnings of the Quran were met with outrage among Muslims and threats from jihadists.
In late January, Salwan Momika, the lead activist behind the Quran-burnings, was shot dead, in an apparent retaliation attack for the demonstrations. Days later, a Swedish court convicted his partner, Salwan Najem, of hate crimes related to the men’s activism.
Some in Sweden have pointed fingers at Iran for Momika’s killing, following reports that the Islamic Republic has recruited organized crime in the country to attack political opponents.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
