Three Syrian refugees in Germany helped arrest a suspected terrorist on Monday (Oct. 10). He was wanted by police for allegedly helping plan a terrorist attack.
Jaber al-Bakr had been on the run since Oct. 8, when German special forces stormed an apartment in the eastern city of Chemnitz on a tip that he might be preparing a bombing.
Al-Bakr escaped to Leipzig, some 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) northwest. There he approached another Syrian at a train station to ask for shelter. The man recognized al-Bakr as a wanted fugitive and took him back to his apartment. With the help of two others, he tied al-Bakr up and alerted German authorities.
Police had found explosives similar to the ones used in the attacks in Brussels and Paris in the Chemnitz apartment, and said al-Bakr might have links to terrorist group ISIL, also known as the Islamic State. He has been charged with helping prepare to a major act of violence.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, who’s come under attack for her refugee policy, thanked the three anonymous Syrians for their help in the capture, through a spokesperson. Police are withholding identifying details in order to protect them.