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Switzerland arrests two Syrians on suspicion of terror links | Switzerland arrests two Syrians on suspicion of terror links |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Two people of Syrian origin have been arrested in Geneva on suspicion of making, concealing and transporting explosives and toxic gas, the Swiss attorney general says. | Two people of Syrian origin have been arrested in Geneva on suspicion of making, concealing and transporting explosives and toxic gas, the Swiss attorney general says. |
The two are also suspected of violating a law prohibiting groups such as al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State (IS), the statement added. | The two are also suspected of violating a law prohibiting groups such as al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State (IS), the statement added. |
Geneva's prosecutor is expected to give more details on the arrests later. | Geneva's prosecutor is expected to give more details on the arrests later. |
Geneva has been on high alert this week amid fears an IS cell was in the area. | Geneva has been on high alert this week amid fears an IS cell was in the area. |
Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga said on Friday that a "foreign authority" had provided the information about "a potential IS cell in the Geneva area" but there was no indication that "a concrete attack" was planned. | |
Swiss media reported later on Friday that two Syrian men had been arrested and traces of explosives were found in their car. | |
The tip-off about a terror cell in Geneva had originally come from the United States, Swiss media also reported on Friday. | |
Daily newspaper Le Temps, quoting a source close to the investigation, said US intelligence had identified three jihadist cells in Chicago, Toronto and Geneva. | Daily newspaper Le Temps, quoting a source close to the investigation, said US intelligence had identified three jihadist cells in Chicago, Toronto and Geneva. |
Pictures of four individuals had been circulated to police, the source said, adding: "We do not know their names, we do not know where they came from. They apparently are using noms de guerre." | Pictures of four individuals had been circulated to police, the source said, adding: "We do not know their names, we do not know where they came from. They apparently are using noms de guerre." |
It is not clear if the two arrested on Friday are among the four being sought. | |
On Thursday, security was stepped up outside synagogues, the UN building and the French ambassador's home, as well as train stations, the airport and similar places. | On Thursday, security was stepped up outside synagogues, the UN building and the French ambassador's home, as well as train stations, the airport and similar places. |
The number of police on Geneva's streets has been increased. | |
UN spokesman Michele Zaccheo said there was "no specific threat to the UN in Geneva or its personnel". | UN spokesman Michele Zaccheo said there was "no specific threat to the UN in Geneva or its personnel". |
The border with France runs through the outskirts of Geneva. | The border with France runs through the outskirts of Geneva. |
IS said it carried out the attacks in Paris on 13 November which killed 130 people. | IS said it carried out the attacks in Paris on 13 November which killed 130 people. |
Two men linked to the attacks - Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini - are still on the run and investigations have been launched in several European countries. | Two men linked to the attacks - Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini - are still on the run and investigations have been launched in several European countries. |