Authorities in Germany announced on Sunday, October 20, that they have apprehended a Libyan national suspected of links to the extremist group Islamic State, who was allegedly planning a firearms attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin. The individual, identified only as Omar A, was arrested on Saturday evening in Bernau, a town situated just outside of the capital, news agency AP said. According to a statement from the Federal Prosecutor`s Office, the security forces in Germany subsequently conducted a search of his residence.

The statement detailed that the suspect intended to execute a high-profile attack on the Israeli Embassy and had reportedly exchanged information with an Islamic State member via a messaging platform during his planning. Authorities in Germany also searched the home of another individual who is considered a witness but not a suspect in the case.