Syrian National Arrested in Plot to Attack German Soldiers in Bavaria

A Syrian man, 27, was detained in Hof, Bavaria, for plotting to attack German soldiers with machetes. The suspect intended to kill multiple Bundeswehr soldiers during their lunch break to attract attention and fuel public fear. Germany is increasing border controls following other knife attacks by asylum seekers.

A 27-year-old Syrian national suspected of holding radical Islamist views has been arrested for allegedly plotting to attack German soldiers with machetes in the Bavarian town of Hof, prosecutors revealed on Friday. The accused had acquired two machetes, each approximately 40 cm long, to carry out the assault on Bundeswehr soldiers during their lunch break, intending to kill as many as possible, according to an official statement.

The prosecutors stated, "With the act, the accused wanted to attract attention and create a feeling of uncertainty among the population." This arrest comes as Germany tightens border controls in response to recent deadly knife attacks involving asylum seekers.

In a related incident, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a knife attack in Solingen, western Germany, that resulted in the deaths of three people in August. Immigration and security concerns have surged in importance ahead of the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining significant support.

(With inputs from agencies.)