Spanish authorities have arrested 10 Pakistani nationals in a major counter-terrorism operation, accusing them of inciting violence and spreading extremist ideologies, officials confirmed.
The operation was carried out by Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonia Police), Spanish National Police, and Italian law enforcement agencies, targeting individuals suspected of promoting radicalization through encrypted messaging platforms.
Authorities claim the group was linked to a radical organization that had begun identifying potential targets for attacks across Europe. Investigations also uncovered a separate online extremist group, allegedly led by one of the arrested women, which was involved in spreading radical content and selecting targets for possible attacks.
The 10 individuals were presented before Spain's Central Investigation Court No. 6 on March 6, facing charges of terrorist financing, recruitment for extremism, and supporting radicalization. The court ordered four suspects to remain in detention, while the remaining individuals are under investigation.
Spanish officials stated that, so far, no direct links have been established between the suspects and any international terrorist organization, but investigations are ongoing.
This multi-nation crackdown reflects Europe’s intensified efforts to combat extremism amid growing concerns over radical networks operating across the continent.