Madrid: Spanish authorities have apprehended 14 individuals of Pakistani origin as part of counterterrorism efforts following increased alertness due to the Hamas attack. The detainees, associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik, an organization advocating for the full implementation of Sharia in Pakistan, are accused of operating an extensive Jihadi network in Spain.
The individuals were reportedly residing in various Spanish states such as Catalonia, Valencia, Logroño, and Vitoria. Investigations reveal that these individuals were involved in disseminating radical ideologies through a network, circulating materials aimed at radicalizing others.
The suspects are currently under interrogation and will face court proceedings. In light of the recent Hamas attack and the prevailing terrorist threat in several European nations, including Spain, security measures have been intensified, leading to actions against Jihadis. Reports from Spain's largest newspaper, Euro Weekly, suggest that the arrested Pakistanis were also involved in a religious conversion racket.
In the previous month, Spanish authorities arrested four individuals, including someone who was operating similar networks, self-identifying as Khalifa. One of the detained couples had reportedly met through this network.
Approximately 100,000 Pakistanis reside in Spain, with over half located in Catalonia. Many of them arrived in search of employment, and a significant portion entered Europe illegally. In recent years, there has been a growing sense of suspicion towards Pakistanis among the Spanish population.
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