Italian police on Thursday said
they had busted an Islamist terror in the centre of Venice
overnight.
Venice anti-mafia and anti-terror units worked in "close
liaison" with Italian police and Carabinieri in the operation,
and moved in after "blanket" surveillance of the alleged cell,
they said.
Three people were arrested and a minor detained in the
operation, all originally from Kosovo and resident in Italy.
Twelve raids were carried out: 10 in Venice's historic
centre, one in nearby Mestre and one in Treviso to the north,
police said.
The operation succeeded in "reconstructing the relationship
dynamics and the religious radicalisation of the various
individuals as well as the places they frequented," police said.
Central terror prevention staff, Carabinieri sniffer-dog
units, bomb squads and forensics police also took part in the
operation.
Also taking part were special units of Italy's security
police belonging to the Polizia di Stato and the Carbinieri, the
NOCS and GIS units respectively.
The jihadi cell was busted in the small hours of the night
when raids were carried out in the homes of those under
investigation, police said.
Police are now examining material seized during the raids.
Italy has upped security against jihadi cells following the
Westminster attack in which a lone wolf killed four people.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro complimented police on a
"brilliant operation that has smashed an extremely dangerous
groups".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
