In recent weeks, the Austrian Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT) implemented numerous concrete measures throughout Austria to combat Islamist extremism and terrorism, according to a press release. The targeted operation by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) and the State Offices for State Security and Combating Extremism (LSE) aimed to sustainably weaken Islamist networks within the country through the resulting intelligence and investigations. During this period, a total of six individuals were arrested on behalf of the public prosecutor’s offices, and 14 house searches were conducted. Furthermore, the BVT deliberately implemented preventative measures by issuing warnings to potential threats and mandating reporting requirements.
“The fight against Islamist extremism is one of the absolute priorities of the security police’s work. In recent weeks, numerous measures have therefore been implemented once again – in close cooperation with the judiciary. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution – the DSN and the state offices for state security and combating extremism – is taking consistent action against all forms of extremism – even in their earliest stages. My thanks go to all the security officials and police officers involved. Extremists will be combated with all due force to protect our democracy,” emphasized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.
“The fight against extremism and terrorism is our top priority. The ‘Joint Action Day’ clearly demonstrates the importance of cooperation between correctional facilities, public prosecutors’ offices, and security authorities. I thank all participating colleagues for their tireless commitment to the safety of our population,” added Justice Minister Anna Sporrer.
State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried emphasizes: “Islamist extremism is one of the greatest threats to our country. With the decisive and targeted intervention of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the judiciary, we are demonstrating that there is no place for extremism in Austria. I thank all those involved and congratulate them on the successful operation.”
Director General for Public Security Franz Ruf: “This month of focused action demonstrates how modern state security functions in practice. Findings are compiled, risks are assessed, and concrete measures are decisively implemented. Crucial to the success of the operation was the close cooperation between the deployed forces of the security and judicial authorities.”
“Actions like these are an important component in the fight against Islamist extremism and terrorism, where we are seeing an increasing trend, not least due to accelerated online radicalization. The task of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is to act as an early warning system, identifying potential dangers in advance and taking action against them. The DSN and the LSE, together with the judicial authorities, deliberately focused on this at this time,” says DSN Director Sylvia Mayer.
Focus month of May: Arrests, searches and seizures throughout Austria
Following extensive investigations, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Germany’s domestic intelligence agency) designated May as a month of focused operations in the fight against Islamist extremism, during which six arrest warrants were executed and 14 house searches were carried out on behalf of the public prosecutor’s offices. In the course of these various measures, numerous pieces of evidence were seized, including mobile phones, data storage devices and laptops, as well as folding and combat knives, documents, and relevant clothing.
Those arrested include five men aged 14 to 45 and one woman aged 16. They are suspected of committing crimes related to Islamist extremism and terrorism in Austria, such as membership in a terrorist organization, incitement to terrorist acts, dissemination of IS propaganda, and condoning terrorist offenses. The arrests took place both individually and as part of coordinated actions. One coordinated action was part of a Joint Action Day.
On May 27, 2026, as the culmination of the month of action, all nine State Security Offices (LSE), under the leadership and coordination of the National Security Network (DSN) and the Directorate General at the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ), conducted a nationwide Joint Action Day focusing on Islamist extremism and terrorism. On behalf of the public prosecutor’s offices, three arrest warrants and six house searches were executed that day. In addition, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT) conducted ten preventative interviews and three security dialogues. Simultaneous measures were also taken in correctional facilities. As part of the Joint Action Day coordinated on May 27, 2026, the Directorate General at the BMJ carried out numerous cell searches of individuals detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Austrian correctional facilities. During the month of focus, security authorities deployed officers from the DSN, all LSE, the Cobra special operations unit, and forces from the state police directorates. The results of the searches conducted during the month of focus are currently being reviewed and evaluated.
The original announcement (in German) can be found here.
