Arrest of Two Syrian Nationals in Switzerland on Charges of Manufacturing Explosives

The Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office announced on Saturday that two Syrian nationals were arrested in Geneva on charges of 'manufacturing and transporting explosives and toxic gases.' However, there is no clear connection between them and four suspects that the police are pursuing. According to the French news agency, these two suspects were arrested on Friday, December 20, but the news of their arrest was published a day later by the Swiss prosecutor's office. The Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that the charges against the detainees include 'manufacturing, concealing, and transporting explosives and toxic gases.' The detainees are also accused of violating Swiss laws regarding connections with groups such as 'the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and other similar groups.' The arrests occurred at a time when the level of terrorist threat in Switzerland, particularly in Geneva, has increased. Many international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations, are located in Geneva. The Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office has not released further details about the names and identities of the arrested individuals but has stated that more information will be released gradually. Swiss media reported last Thursday that the Geneva police, with the help of U.S. security forces, obtained a photo of four individuals suspected of being members of the Islamic State, who apparently were in this city and its surroundings. Reuters reported on Saturday, following the arrest of the two suspects, that there is no indication that the four individuals are in Switzerland. Olivier Jornod, the Geneva prosecutor, also stated that the arrested individuals 'clearly had no connection with the other four suspects.'