An investigation by the Spanish National Court has revealed that a group of young individuals, accused of jihadist activity and arrested in July 2024, had identified the Jewish community in Melilla as a possible target.
One of the suspects, reportedly motivated by a desire for revenge due to the community’s perceived support for Israel, gathered information about the security measures of a local Jewish-owned pharmacy.
The suspects were detained during a counterterrorism operation carried out by the Civil Guard in July, which resulted in eight arrests across Melilla, Madrid, and Málaga.
The Ministry of the Interior described the operation as dismantling a “terrorist structure” involving individuals who had undergone a process of radicalisation aligned with the violent ideology of the Islamic State (IS). The group had been sharing and disseminating propaganda through private messaging platforms, promoting terrorist ideologies and encouraging violent acts.
Of the eight arrested, five have been placed in provisional custody, charged with self-radicalisation and promoting jihadist activity. According to court documents, the detainees had formed a network to spread jihadist messages, using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to share multimedia content justifying the actions of IS and Al-Qaeda. The suspects also reportedly met in person, including in public places and a local gym.
Authorities expedited the operation over concerns that the group was preparing to act. One suspect, who drew particular attention from investigators, was found to have expressed support for martyrdom and the use of explosive belts as a means of “defence against aggressors.” This individual was also fixated on exacting revenge on the Jewish community in Melilla, specifically targeting the owners of a pharmacy due to their perceived support for Israeli military actions.
The investigation indicated that the pharmacy had already been placed under special surveillance by law enforcement, following an Interior Ministry directive in 2023 to enhance security measures for the Jewish community in Melilla in response to tensions related to the Gaza conflict. Despite the heightened security, the suspects were aware of the surveillance and discussed ways to obtain information on the location’s security arrangements.
In addition to these activities, the investigation identified another individual, a Moroccan national working as an Uber driver in Madrid, who had expressed anti-LGBT sentiments and aspirations of martyrdom on social media. He was also reported to have visited Cañada Real Galiana, an area known for firearms trafficking.
The case remains ongoing, with some aspects of the investigation still under judicial secrecy.
