Spanish police have foiled a terrorist attack just before Christmas. Four suspects aged between 14 and 17 were arrested on 19 December during a raid in the city of Elche. The group is accused of planning an Islamist terrorist attack on a Christian church.
On 19 December, the National Police arrested the four Moroccan minors for possible links to jihadism, after social media messages were infiltrated and a high risk of an attack over the Christmas period was reported. It is believed that the Basilica of Santa Maria was one of the possible targets.
Following their arrest, police officers seized a drawing of a tower or dome.
In its update on 23 December, the government agency warned tourists that "terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in Spain".
The four detained teenagers are being held in the Teresa de Calcuta juvenile detention centre in the Madrid region.