Else Beekman
A large-scale police operation in Barcelona has led to the arrest of eleven individuals linked to a radical jihadist network. Authorities confirm that the group had already identified potential targets in Europe.
Spanish National Police and the Mossos d’Esquadra, in collaboration with Italy’s Polizia di Stato, carried out the arrests on Monday. Ten suspects were detained in Barcelona and its metropolitan area, while another was arrested in Piacenza, Italy.
The detainees face serious charges, including glorification, advocacy, financing, and indoctrination of terrorism. Investigators also uncovered evidence that they had been selecting possible victims for attacks.
This operation marks the third phase of an ongoing investigation. In previous phases, authorities detained five individuals in 2022 and another fourteen in 2023. The Central Investigative Court No. 6 of the National High Court is overseeing the case, with the coordination of the public prosecutor’s office.
A well-organised radical network
According to police sources, the suspects belong to a structured and hierarchical extremist group of Pakistani origin. They spread radical messages via encrypted communication channels, actively promoting violence, including murder and decapitation.
Authorities report that the group praised terrorist acts carried out in both Europe and Pakistan. They also shared propaganda glorifying attacks against individuals accused of blasphemy.
Financially, the organisation sustained itself through regular monetary contributions from its members. This structured funding ensured the continuation of their extremist activities.
Women’s role in the group
One key discovery in the investigation was a messaging group exclusively composed of women, coordinated by one of the arrested individuals. This highlights the varied roles within the network and suggests that recruitment and radicalisation efforts extended across different social sectors.
Court proceedings
The arrested individuals appeared in court yesterday. The judge ordered four of them to be held in provisional custody while the investigation continues.
Authorities are now analysing the seized digital communications and financial transactions to uncover further links and prevent potential attacks. Given that some members had already begun identifying targets in Europe, security forces remain on high alert.
Ongoing counter-terrorism efforts
Spain faces a growing challenge for anti-terrorism authorities. In 2024, an alarming rise in the number of juvenile jihadist arrests was registered, with a record 15 minors detained for terrorism-related activities. These arrests accounted for 18.3% of the 82 jihadist arrests nationwide.
The operation in Barcelona is part of a broader effort by European law enforcement agencies to dismantle terrorist networks before they can act. In recent years, Spain has increased its vigilance, expelling individuals linked to extremist activities, including radical imams and recruiters for terrorist organisations.