German Authorities Crack Down on Suspected Right-Wing Terror Cell
German security forces have reportedly foiled a suspected right-wing terrorist plot, with five German nationals arrested on Wednesday morning, accused of being members or supporters of a domestic terrorist organization, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office announced.
The arrests took place in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Hesse, Saxony and Thuringia, with search warrants issued for a total of 13 locations. The operation also targeted three other Germans already in custody.
The suspects, all of whom were allegedly involved in the organization as juveniles, are accused of being members of or supporting a domestic terrorist group. Three of the arrested individuals are believed to have acted as ringleaders, while two others are accused of attempted murder, particularly severe arson and property damage. One of the suspects is also suspected of providing assistance and another is accused of planning a murder, attempted severe arson, property damage and the use of unconstitutional symbols.
The alleged terrorist group, known as “Letzte Verteidigungswelle (L.V.W)” or “Last Defensive Wave” is believed to have been established in April 2024. Its members, who see themselves as the last line of defense for the “German Nation” aim to bring about the collapse of the democratic system in Germany through violent attacks, primarily targeting migrants and political opponents.
The group’s alleged activities include the use of explosives and firebombs, with a notable incident occurring on October 23, 2024, when two men set fire to a cultural center in Altdöbern, causing an estimated €500,000 in damage and narrowly avoiding harm to the occupants.
Further investigations have uncovered plans for attacks on an asylum seeker’s shelter in Schmölln and a planned arson attack on an asylum seeker’s shelter in Senftenberg.
Over 220 police officers from the Federal Criminal Police, the Federal Police and the state criminal police forces of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony and Thuringenia were involved in the operation. The investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice must still decide on the execution of the detention order.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) reacted with alarm, stating, “Especially disturbing is that all the people arrested today were allegedly minors at the time of the group’s founding.” This, she said, is a warning sign, as “right-wing terrorist extremism knows no age.