German police arrested a 17-year-old boy, identified as Emin B., on suspicion of planning a large-scale terror attack, German newspaper BILD reported on Sunday.
Authorities apprehended the suspect in Elmshorn before he could execute his plan to drive a truck into crowds at Christmas markets in December.
Investigators revealed that he had taken driving lessons to prepare for the attack.
Police reported that he communicated with terrorist operatives in Morocco and Iraq, who directed him to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) and target diplomatic facilities in Germany. The authorities confirmed he acquired materials for explosive construction and engaged with overseas contacts, underscoring the transnational nature of his activities.
U.S. intelligence informed their German counterparts that the suspect participated in online forums linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), in which he pledged to conduct attacks, including targeting individuals he referred to as “infidels.”