Two arrested in Bilbao and Getxo on suspicion of links to Hezbollah
The National Police arrested two Spanish nationals in Vizcaya on suspicion of links to Hezbollah. They are accused of planning attacks and spreading propaganda on Telegram.
Counter-terrorism operation in Vizcaya against suspected Hezbollah members
Google News ES — Crime (es) reports that the National Police arrested two Spanish nationals on Tuesday afternoon in Vizcaya, on suspicion of links to the Lebanese Shiite paramilitary organisation Hezbollah. The arrests took place simultaneously at addresses in Bilbao and Getxo.
According to the authorities, both suspects allegedly planned attacks and distributed propaganda content through a Telegram channel.
Origin of the investigation
The investigation began a year ago, following the failed attack on the United States Embassy in Oslo. In that context, the name of one of the detainees emerged, identified as Asier, who according to information published by El Correo had converted to Islam. The same outlet notes that, in documents presented to the judge, this accused defended the indiscriminate killing of Jews.
The second detainee, identified as Youseff, allegedly held positions of responsibility in what the Police describe as "extremist movements" in the Basque Country. As examples, sources point to his involvement in boycotts against the Vuelta Ciclista last year, motivated by the participation of an Israeli team.
Wiretaps and weapons training
With judicial authorisation, investigators intercepted the suspects' devices. The wiretaps revealed that Asier allegedly travelled to Lebanon to receive weapons training and that he received instructions from senior commanders in that country remotely.
Demonstrations in Bilbao and Getxo
The collective Iranekin Bat ('With Iran'), to which the detainees belonged, called two protest demonstrations: at 17:00 at the Bolsa de Bilbao and at 19:00 in the Alkorta neighbourhood of Getxo, in rejection of both arrested individuals being labelled as terrorists.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)