Bosnia: Arrests of suspected Muslim extremists

Bosnia: Arrests of suspected Muslim extremists

SARAJEVO -- Bosnia's State Investigation and Protection Agency early on Wednesday arrested 17 people suspected of having links with the Wahhabi movement.

The operation, codenamed "Damascus," was conducted in 15 cities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, it was announced.

The arrests came on the order of the State Prosecution. The persons detained are suspected of terrorist financing, public incitement to terrorist activities, recruitment for terrorist activities, and for organizing a terrorist group, the agency, SIPA, said in a statement.

The operation "focused on finding evidence to suggest ties between the arrested and the citizens who participate in the wars in Syria and Iraq on the side of radical terrorist groups and organizations."

According to the amended Criminal Code of Bosnia, its citizens are prohibited from participation in foreign military or paramilitary units.

The FTV media outlet unofficially reported that among those arrested was Bilal Bosnić, the informal leader of the Wahhabi community in Bosanska Krajina, known for the video footage he publishes online where he speaks against the United States and Western countries.