COPENHAGEN: Four suspects were detained in two countries by Danish police on Thursday for allegedly planning a terror attack, as part of a joint cross-border operation.
The authorities did not disclose the suspects’ intentions or affiliations, whether they were linked to radical Islam or to extreme-right movements. The PET security and intelligence service warned in August that Denmark faced a higher threat after several Korans were destroyed by anti-Islam protesters over the summer.
A group of people was planning a terror attack, according to PET chief superintendent Flemming Drejer, who spoke at a press conference in Copenhagen.
He said the arrests and raids were the result of a thorough investigation by PET and its foreign partners.
A 57-year-old man was detained in Rotterdam on Thursday by Dutch police, following a request from German authorities in a joint Danish-German probe.
As a result of the Israel-Hamas clash, the NCTV increased the Netherlands’ threat level to 4, meaning “substantial” on its 5-point scale.
Police in Denmark conducted raids throughout the nation as part of an early investigation.
Dreyer said the network, linked to Danish and foreign crime, involved LTF gang, but gave no reasons..
Police announced they would step up patrols in Copenhagen and near Jewish sites after arresting three suspects for planning terrorist attacks.
The Jewish Community in Denmark said it was informed of the raids before the public, but did not know of any specific threats to Jewish targets.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the suspects’ alleged motives, which were linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict. She said it was “extremely serious” and “completely unacceptable” to bring a foreign conflict into Danish society.
She said some in Denmark opposed its freedom and values, and PET warned of attacks for years The police maintained their terrorist alert level at 4 out of 5, indicating a “significant” threat.
The three suspects would face terrorism charges and appear before a judge for preliminary questioning,