Syrian national arrested in Germany over ties with ISIS

German authorities have arrested a Syrian national on suspicion of belonging and supporting the Islamic State (ISIS), according to local police.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday in the Stuttgart area in southwestern Germany, according to Baden-Württemberg police. Authorities said the suspect, a 39-year-old Syrian citizen, was taken into custody at the request of the Baden-Württemberg State Security Center.

Prosecutors allege the suspect committed the crime of membership in a foreign terrorist organization under German law. According to authorities, he is strongly suspected of having participated in the development and production of military equipment for ISIS in Iraq between September 2016 and November 2016, for which he allegedly received monthly payments.

Police said the suspect is believed to have traveled to Germany in 2020. The arrest was carried out by the State Security and Anti-Terrorism Center at the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office, which is leading the investigation.

Germany has conducted multiple investigations in recent years into suspected Islamic State members and supporters, including individuals accused of activities carried out in Iraq and Syria before entering the country, according to German authorities.

Authorities did not indicate whether the suspect was planning an attack at the time of his arrest.