Investigations Against Hamas Also in Austria: Evidence Secured

Investigations against Hamas are currently underway in Austria. In the course of these, evidence was also secured, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed to the APA on Friday, corresponding to Israeli media reports. Further information cannot be disclosed at present due to the ongoing investigation steps by the Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence Service.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) stated in a release that the DSN has demonstrated its high investigative competence in taking decisive action against all forms of extremism. The regained international recognition is of crucial importance in this regard. State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) praised the success in setting an important signal against Islamist terrorism in Austria.

Background: Arrests in Berlin, Terror Suspicions Against Hamas

Recently, three members of Hamas were arrested in Berlin. As so-called foreign operatives of the Islamist Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, they are said to have procured, among other things, an assault rifle, pistols, and ammunition from Germany, according to the Federal Prosecutor's Office - the highest German prosecuting authority. "The weapons were intended for Hamas to carry out murder attacks on Israeli or Jewish facilities in Germany," the authority stated. However, there was apparently no concrete attack plan so far.

State Protection Investigates in the Environment of Islamist Cell

The investigations in Austria are likely related to this case. According to a report by "ynet," the Mossad cooperated with German intelligence services, which led to the arrest of the cell. The operation spanned several countries and also led to arrests outside of Germany.

(APA/Red)

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