Italian anti-terrorism police announced the arrest of a Tunisian citizen on suspicion of being an organizer for the Islamic State group. Authorities reported that the individual, who resides in Cosenza in the southern region of Calabria, was already wanted by Tunisian authorities for involvement in terrorist activities.
In a statement, police emphasized that the suspect had expressed a “determination to carry out a terrorist act in Italy in the near future.” Identified as a Salafist, he adheres to an ultraconservative interpretation of Sunni Islam that advocates for a society governed by Islamic law.
The apprehension was part of a coordinated effort involving officers from the Digos units in Catanzaro and Cosenza, along with the Central Directorate of Criminal Police (Dcpp). According to police, their investigation relied on wiretaps and other forms of surveillance that revealed a network capable of conducting terrorist operations.
Authorities discovered that the group in question was actively engaged in proselytism and indoctrination, as well as providing military training to its members. Additionally, police found that the suspect had in his possession various materials including footage of attacks, jihadist propaganda, and documents detailing the construction of explosives and weaponry.
The investigation is ongoing, with police emphasizing the importance of disrupting the activities of such extremist networks in Italy. As concerns about terrorism increase across Europe, this arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating potential threats.
