Spain detains two suspected militants in Madrid
Spanish authorities have arrested at least two suspected militants in Madrid as the European country steps up security to thwart potential terror attacks during the New Year celebrations.
The two men were detained during a raid on a militant hideout in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.
According to the Europa Press news agency, security forces found bullets and weapon magazines. The magazines were of the type used for assault rifles such as the AK-47.
The Spanish Interior Ministry confirmed that the Spanish men were detained for "glorifying terrorism."
The arrests come as law enforcement agencies in Madrid are taking unprecedented measures to strengthen security for the New Year's Eve. Thousands of people are expected to gather in the central Puerta del Sol square for traditional celebrations. All those entering the square will be searched.
Bollards will be used on nearby roads alongside police vans to guard against truck attacks. Deadly truck assaults were carried out in the southern French city of Nice and the German capital, Berlin, earlier this year.
Barcelona and other major Spanish cities have adopted similar security measures.
In March 2004, Madrid was hit by coordinated train bombings by an al-Qaeda inspired group. More than 190 people were killed.
In recent years, about 200 Spaniards are estimated to have entered Syria, Iraq, and Libya and elsewhere to operate alongside Takfiri terrorist groups such as Daesh.
According to Spanish authorities, at least 175 alleged militants have been detained since 2015.
In early December, an EU report warned that a third of the estimated 5,000 European nationals who entered Iraq and Syria have returned home, probably with a mission to launch attacks.
Some 30,000 militants from over 100 countries have reportedly entered Syria and Iraq since 2011 to join the ranks of Takfiri terrorist groups.
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