British police arrested a group of suspected Islamic extremists in Birmingham, England during a large-scale counter-terrorism raid on Monday, the largest of its kind this year. therightperspective.org
Six men aged between 25 and 32 were arrested overnight and were being held on suspicion ofthe “commission, preparation or instigation” of an act of terrorism in Britain, reports the Associated Press. One 22-year-old woman was also arrested for not disclosing information to police. While it is known the suspected are Muslim, authorities would not disclose their nationality or ethnicity, only saying they were British citizens. Neighbors told reports that the men were related, possibly brothers. In addition to the arrests, raids took place in 16 seperate residences in Birmingham starting late Sunday night,reports the Birmingham Mail. West Midlands assistant police chief Marcus Beale said computers were taken from the homes after a joint investigation conducted by police and M15. As of Tuesday night, eight of the homes were still being searched. Although the plot was in its early stages and targets were not immediately known, authorities said it didn’t appear that fall political conferences by Britain’s main parties were the intended target. The Birmingham Mail also reports that police were granted warrants extending their time to question the suspects on Tuesday. Officers now have until approximately midnight on Sunday to charge, release or apply for an additional extension.
