Austrian teen arrested on terror suspicion

Austrian authorities arrested a 14-year-old boy in Tyrol on July 20, suspecting him of attempting to contribute to terrorist acts. The Innsbruck public prosecutor's office confirmed the report on Friday.

Investigators believe the youth, described as right-wing extremist, communicated with an associate via a messenger service to plan attacks. The arrest took place at the student's residence. A subsequent house search uncovered propaganda material indicative of right-wing ideology, a combat knife, and an airsoft weapon.

The Austrian citizen is currently in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors are analyzing chat logs and other data. "The teenager exchanged information about attacks with others in chats," said spokesperson Hansjörg Mayr. "Therefore, we assumed or had to assume that terrorist acts could occur." Further details were not disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.

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The teenager exchanged information about attacks with others in chats.

According to "Kronen Zeitung," a stab-proof vest with a Swedish patch, a black FFP2 mask with a skull and Third Reich symbols, and two tactical helmets were also confiscated. One helmet was reportedly equipped with a GoPro camera for live-streaming attacks.

An international partner service, collaborating with Austria's Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence (DSN), provided the crucial tip. The 14-year-old allegedly discussed attack plans with a terror suspect from Sweden via Telegram, with Jewish and Muslim institutions reportedly being the targets.

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Therefore, we assumed or had to assume that terrorist acts could occur.