In the course of investigations into a globally operating terrorist organization with ties to Hamas, a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. Authorities suspect that the weapons were intended for possible terrorist attacks in Europe targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions, the Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence (DSN) announced on Thursday.
Suspect in custody
A 39-year-old British citizen was arrested in London on Monday as a suspect. The arrest took place as part of internationally coordinated investigations. In a suitcase stored in a rented storage unit in Vienna, police seized five handguns and ten magazines. According to the DSN, the weapons depot is linked to structures of the terrorist organization Hamas.
“The current case once again shows that the Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence is excellently connected internationally and acts decisively against all forms of extremism. The mission is clear: zero tolerance for terrorists,” emphasized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP).
State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) added: “The dedicated actions and meticulous investigative work of the DSN were crucial to this successful discovery of weapons — a strong demonstration of their professionalism and commitment to the safety of our citizens.”
Criticism from the FPÖ
The FPÖ sharply criticized what it called a “red-pink culture of welcome,” claiming it had “turned Vienna into a security risk for all of Europe.” “While the SPÖ and its pink accomplices indulge in multicultural fantasies, pistols, magazines, and assault rifles for potential attacks are being stored right in the middle of our city,” said FPÖ Vienna chairman and city councilor Dominik Nepp in a statement on Thursday.
