Raid against Islamist extremism: nine house searches and 235 prison cells searched
In a nationwide "Joint Action Day" on Wednesday, nine house searches and 17 questioning sessions were carried out. In 28 prisons, 334 detainees and 235 cells were searched.
Nationwide counter-terrorism operation: Cobra, DSN and justice coordinated in action
As Kleine Zeitung reports, Austrian law enforcement authorities carried out nine house searches and 17 questioning sessions on Wednesday as part of a nationwide coordinated "Joint Action Day". The operation aimed to combat Islamist extremism and terrorism. The Interior Ministry announced the results in an official statement.
The searches covered Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Burgenland, Vienna, Lower Austria and Upper Austria. Numerous pieces of evidence were secured during the action: mobile phones, data carriers, laptops, various knives, two brass knuckles, a blank-firing pistol and magazine, narcotics as well as relevant literature. In Lower Austria, two temporary weapons prohibitions were also issued. The seized items are currently being examined and will be evaluated in the course of further investigations.
In parallel, authorities searched 235 cells in 28 Austrian prisons and checked 334 detainees. The operation involved the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence Service (DSN), all nine State Offices for State Security and Combating Extremism (LSE), forces from the state police directorates, the police service dog unit, the Rapid Intervention Group (SIG) and the Special Operations Command Cobra.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) stated in the announcement: "This preventive strike allows extremist developments to be identified, analysed and stopped at an early stage. The goal is clear: to ensure the safety of people in our country sustainably." Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) highlighted the effective cooperation of the participating authorities.
Source: Kleine Zeitung