Group of terrorism suspects detained in Serb entity

Group of terrorism suspects detained in Serb entity

BANJA LUKA -- The police in the Serb entity in Bosnia late on Thursday brought a group of terrorism suspects to the Special Prosecution of the Serb Republic (RS).

The suspects were detained during Operation Ruben, launched to prevent further terrorist attacks in this entity in the wake of the April 27 attack on a police station, when an Islamist shot and killed a police officer and wounded two more before being killed himself.

The Banja Luka daily Nezavisne Novine writes that many citizens turned out to watch the suspects being brought to the prosecution building last night, which was done with strong security measures in place.

A total of 31 persons were arrested during the operation, but some of them have been released in the meanwhile. The police found evidence that those still in custody planned terrorist attacks.

The suspects "planned to attack the police and RS judicial institutions officials." The evidence found in the searches includes weapons, ammunition, mines and explosive devices, as well as military uniforms.

One suspect had in his possession "as many as 30 new uniforms and flak vests," it has been announced.

The Special Prosecution previously said they would ask for two suspects to be remanded in custody.