Two suspected IS members arrested in Bavaria

Authorities in Bavaria have arrested two men suspected of having been fighters for the Islamic State (IS) group approximately ten years ago. The arrests mark a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Germany.

The first suspect, a 28-year-old Iraqi national, was apprehended on July 23 in Traunreut, located in the Traunstein district. The second arrest occurred on Tuesday in Weiden, Upper Palatinate, involving a 46-year-old Syrian national. Both men are currently in investigative custody. Officials stated there is no direct connection between the two cases.

Investigators reportedly tracked the men using an "IS membership list" along with other data, which led them to the suspects residing in Bavaria. The Iraqi man is alleged to have been part of various IS units in Iraq and Syria between January and September 2016. The Syrian national is accused of serving in the terror group's combat units and its police force during 2016. Both are believed to have received monthly payments from IS.

The charges against them include membership in a terrorist organization. German law permits the prosecution of support for foreign terrorist associations. As with all suspects, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.