Arrests in Reykjavik
Terror threat in the “most peaceful country in the world” – Iceland’s special forces apparently prevent attack
Twilight in Reykjavik (icon image). The police operation, in which four men were initially arrested, took place in the capital of Iceland.
© Cavan Images / Imago Images
Nowhere in the world is more peaceful than in Iceland. Until this week, because the police on the island in the North Atlantic have apparently prevented a terrorist attack.
In Iceland, the police have arrested four men who are said to have been involved in the preparation of a “terrorist attack”. The police said at a press conference on Thursday that they had confiscated several semi-automatic weapons, including some from the 3D printer, and thousands of ammunition bullets in nine different locations. The danger had been averted, said police representative Karl Steinar Valsson. The operation was carried out by special forces.
Four Icelanders around the age of 20 were arrested on Wednesday in Kopavogur, a suburb of the capital Reykjavik, and in the town of Mosfellsbaer in southwest Iceland, police said. Two of them are in custody, the other two are said to have been released.
First anti-terrorist operation in Iceland
As the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV reported, it was the first anti-terrorist operation of its kind on the North Atlantic island.
While the motives for the planned attack were still unclear, the possible targets are said to be “various institutions” and “citizens of the state”, including parliament and the police.
Now it is being checked whether the men have connections to extremist organizations or foreign authorities, the officials said. “As far as we know, this is the first time that an investigation of this type has been opened (in Iceland),” Valsson said.
According to the Global Peace Index, the small country with around 375,000 inhabitants is considered the “most peaceful country in the world”. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but violent crime has increased in recent years.
Watch a video from our archive from August this year when the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland spewed lava. The fiery sight attracted numerous onlookers. However, this was not entirely without risk.