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Two of the four teenagers arrested in Elche (Alicante) on December 19 had been planning an attack on New Year’s Eve. Their target was the Basilica of Santa Maria, where they intended to carry out the attack, according to initial police investigations.
The minors had been in contact with other radical Islamists through social media, seeking advice on how to acquire or manufacture explosives. Police discovered that the two most radicalized teens had several knives and thousands of euros in cash—an unusually large amount for minors, raising suspicion among investigators.
A Record Number of Jihadist Arrests in Spain
This comes as part of a broader crackdown on jihadist activity in Spain, where authorities have arrested 81 individuals for jihadist-related offenses in 2024— the highest number since the 2004 Madrid train bombings (11-M), according to Europa Press.
On December 19, agents from the General Information Commission of the National Police, specializing in counterterrorism, arrested four teens in Elche. Investigations into their online activity and mobile phone data revealed that two of the minors, both of Moroccan origin, were preparing for a major attack.
See also: Minors arrested over Elche Jihadist Plot
Explosive Plans and Radicalisation
The two arrested minors had already expressed their intent to commit an attack and were actively seeking information about explosives. They specifically targeted TATP (acetone peroxide), a highly unstable explosive known as “the mother of Satan,” which was used in the 2004 Madrid bombings and the 2017 attacks in Catalonia.
In the latter case, the explosive accidentally detonated in a house in Alcanar, causing the death of the imam responsible for the plot.
Investigations into the minors’ seized electronic devices have confirmed that they were preparing something significant. Authorities acted quickly, advancing the anti-terrorism operation to prevent the imminent threat.
The Other Two Minors
The other two minors arrested on the same day appear to have been less involved in the plot. While all four teens initially connected through social media during their radicalization process, these two had not reached the same level of commitment or violence. They were unaware of the attack plans and were arrested without further involvement in the conspiracy.
The four minors are currently being held in a juvenile detention centre in Madrid.
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