Islamist terror propagandist arrested in Madrid

POLICE have dismantled a Spanish-based propaganda station that glorified DAESH (ISIS).

Known as Muntasir Media, it was responsible for several Spanish language videos that made terror threats against Spain.

The person allegedly in charge of editing and assembling the images has been arrested despite him having taken “exceptional” security measures to try and keep his identity a secret, according to National Police.

When officers searched his home they found ingredients to make explosives, electronic components and sketches with instructions for making bombs as well as a hit list of people and buildings as potential targets.

Agents of the National Police have arrested A.A.A., 23 years old and Spanish of Moroccan origin, in Parla (Madrid).

He is accused of being part of the terrorist organization DAESH and participating in the crimes of glorification and terrorist threats. During the operation, a second person was arrested and later released.

In spite of his youth, the detainee was the only person responsible in Spain for the so-called Muntasir Media, an unofficial platform in charge of the massive diffusion of propaganda for DAESH.

His aim, it is alleged, was to spread a message of fear and intimidation using the internet.

During the search of his home, the agents of the Comisaría General de Informacion found a large number of chemical precursors, including ammonium nitrate, as well as hydrogen peroxide and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK); key elements in the making of the so-called TATP or “Satan’s mother”, the explosive most used by jihadists and used by terrorists in the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks.

In addition, a large quantity of electronic material, manipulated mobile telephones, modified watches capable of being used as timers, a bulletproof vest and a plate with bullets attached in the form of shrapnel were seized. Manuscripts and detailed sketches on the steps to follow in making improvised explosive devices were also found.

The detainee is accused of being the author of all the Spanish-language threat videos posted on the Internet between the end of 2018 and 2019.

Muntasir media was a propaganda system that had international ramifications, where other members of the group issued threats against other countries, among them, France and the UK as well as against international politicians.

The training of the detainee, who had extensive knowledge of computer security, allowed him to make these terrorist threats hiding his identity and digital traces in such a way that his detection, identification and location was extremely laborious and complex.

He has now been remanded in custody.

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Written by

Dilip Kuner

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