ZURICH—Police in Geneva have arrested two gentlemen as component of an investigation into a suspected Islamic terrorist cell in the Swiss city, the Swiss prosecutor explained on Saturday.
Two men and women of Syrian origin ended up arrested on Friday in the higher Geneva location on suspicion of creating, concealing and transporting explosives and poisonous gases, the Swiss Office of the Legal professional Basic explained in a assertion.
The guys, who haven’t been named, were also arrested on suspicion of membership of banned teams that include Islamic State and al Qaeda, the OAG added.
Authorities in Geneva, which is home to many global institutions like the United Nations, elevated safety ranges on Thursday after getting warned that suspected customers of terror team Islamic Condition ended up current in the location.
The authorities didn’t say whether or not the two males are portion of the greater team which is getting sought.
The men ended up arrested when Geneva police stopped their auto in Vésenaz, a village to the east of Geneva, late on Friday afternoon. They are now being held in custody in Geneva and are currently being interviewed by Swiss Federal Police while the contents of the automobile are examined.
Police patrols have been increased in places this sort of as the train station, airport and U.N. buildings although an investigation has been launched by OAG.
The OAG stated it is doing work with Swiss federal law enforcement and safety officials and police in Geneva. It has opened criminal proceedings from the two guys arrested.
“Top precedence and common objective is the avoidance of terror pursuits,” the OAG stated in a assertion.
Law enforcement are continuing to look for for other suspected users of the terror group, and stability stages remain high in Geneva.
“The elevated level of protection has been taken care of and we remain vigilant,” a spokeswoman for the Geneva Dept. of Safety and Economic climate informed The Wall Street Journal on Saturday. She declined to give additional particulars.
At a information meeting on Friday, Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga confirmed the authorities experienced been alerted by overseas authorities that a suspected IS team was present in the Geneva spot.
Ms. Sommaruga stated there was no concrete proof of a planned terrorist attack, but the basic risk level was elevated.
Compose to John Revill at john.revill@wsj.com
