Madrid: Spanish authorities have claimed that they have arrested 10 Pakistani nationals on a massive operation charged with terrorism, targeting the alleged extremist network involved in inciting violence.
According to a statement issued by Spanish authorities, the arrests were made in a joint operation by Massos D Escodra (Catalan police), Spanish National Police, and Italian law enforcement. An additional suspect was taken into custody in the Italian city of Posinza.
The latest arrests took place on March 3 at various places, including Montekada I Rexak, Sant Adri de Basis, Subedel, and Santa Coloma de Gramman. In this operation, five persons in 2022 and 14 people in 2023 have the first detention, which has left the total number of suspects in connection with the case.
Authorities have so far rejected any external contacts, saying that the center of the organization was the center of operation inside Spain. The alleged leader of the group is said to be a 55 -year -old Pakistani citizen.
Investigators have linked the group to an extremist organization that has used the encrypted messaging platform to issue and glorify violent directives in Europe and Pakistan on charges of blasphemy. Some people inside the network allegedly began to identify specific targets in Europe for potential attacks.
Authorities also revealed that a separate online group, headed by one of the arrested women, was especially comprised of female members. The group was allegedly involved in spreading extremist propaganda and helping in choosing potential targets.
