Germany Arrests Iraqi National Over Alleged Plot to Attack Bremen Church

German authorities announced on Thursday the arrest of an Iraqi national suspected of attempting to establish an extremist cell and planning an armed attack against a church in the northwestern city of Bremen.

Authorities identified the suspect as Kilan Al-M. and said he was arrested in Barnim district, Brandenburg, in eastern Germany. He faces allegations including attempting to establish a terrorist organization, preparing for a serious act of violence, and weapons-related offenses.

The German public prosecutor’s office said the suspect is believed to have adopted an extremist ideology inspired by ISIS. During the spring, he allegedly worked with others to explore potential attacks in Germany targeting Christian institutions.

Prosecutors added that the suspect had already obtained a firearm and conducted surveillance of a church in Bremen, which he allegedly intended to make the cell’s first target.

According to prosecutors, Kilan succeeded in recruiting a second individual whose identity has not been disclosed, while subsequent attempts to attract additional members to the alleged cell were unsuccessful.