Austrian authorities have arrested an Austrian national suspected of links to the Islamic State group and of planning large-scale terrorist attacks, the Interior Ministry said, highlighting key cooperation with Moroccan intelligence services in the operation.
The arrest was carried out with assistance from Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), whose role in the counterterrorism investigation was praised by Austrian officials.
In a statement, State Secretary for Constitutional Protection Jörg Leichtfried and Director General for Public Security Franz Ruf thanked Moroccan authorities for their support, describing the cooperation as decisive in advancing the investigation.
Austria’s Interior Ministry said collaboration between the Austrian Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence and Morocco’s DGST proved particularly crucial in uncovering the suspected plot, underlining the importance of international intelligence cooperation in combating terrorism.
According to investigators, evidence suggests the suspect had concrete plans to carry out attacks, particularly targeting Austrian security forces.
A search of the suspect’s residence led authorities to seize electronic devices containing propaganda materials linked to the Islamic State group, as well as videos produced by the suspect. In one video, he is seen pledging allegiance to the extremist organization, officials said.
Authorities added that analysis of the seized materials is ongoing and that the investigation remains active.
I’m very proud of the Moroccan authorities for their efforts to protect the peace of the world