German Police Searching for a Syrian Suspect in Bomb Plot

On Sunday, German police searched at least two apartments in Chemnitz for a suspect believed to be planning a bombing, interrogating the Syrian roommate of the suspect. According to reports from AFP and Reuters, police discovered explosive devices in both apartments and are now pursuing Jaber al-Bakr, a 22-year-old Syrian who may be armed or in possession of bomb-making materials. The police have also detained al-Bakr's Syrian roommate on charges of aiding in the planning of a 'severely violent act.' Reports indicate that al-Bakr fled on Saturday morning just as police commandos were preparing to arrest him at his apartment, prompting increased security levels at airports and train stations due to uncertainty about his intentions. AFP reported that several hundred grams of an explosive material, deemed 'more dangerous than TNT' and capable of causing significant damage even in small quantities, were found in the suspect's apartment. Local media reported that this explosive, which was neutralized by a bomb disposal team, is known as TATP or acetone peroxide, referred to as 'Mother of Satan,' and has been used in attacks in Paris and Brussels. Police sources told AFP that al-Bakr likely has 'Islamist motives,' and German news agency reports suggest a possible connection to the Islamic State. Spiegel reported that al-Bakr entered Germany in February 2015, applied for asylum two weeks later, and his application was accepted in June of that year. The German domestic security service informed the police on Friday that al-Bakr had been researching online about making explosive devices and had recently acquired materials needed for bomb-making. The police confirmed that they were prepared to raid the suspect's apartment on Saturday morning, but he either accidentally or knowingly left the building beforehand. In recent months, Germany has witnessed two attacks claimed by ISIS: one involving an axe attack on train passengers in the south of the country that left five injured, and another suicide bombing in Ansbach that injured 15. The country has accepted nearly 900,000 refugees or migrants in the past year, and some opposition parties have criticized the government regarding its immigration policy. However, the German Chancellor has emphasized that despite recent terrorist attacks, Germany will continue to welcome refugees.