Europol, in coordination with eight European law enforcement agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has successfully concluded a week-long operational action targeting the so-called Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and its support networks across Europe. The ISKP remains a significant threat in jihadi terrorism, with its networks in Europe posing a major concern.
The initiative, organised by Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC), brought together investigators to exchange real-time intelligence, disrupt terrorist networks, and reinforce cross-border cooperation. From 1 to 5 June 2026, the operation focused on ISKP-affiliated individuals of Chechen and Central Asian origin, identified through shared investigative leads. The collaboration and cross-referencing of information across continents allowed for accelerated detailing of ISKP travel routes spanning Europe, South America, and the United States.
The close cooperation yielded immediate results after Europol swiftly responded to an urgent intelligence request via SIENA over the ensuing weekend, which allowed authorities to arrest several suspects. Throughout the week, over 100 gigabytes of operational information had been exchanged, enabling the full identification of several suspects and advancing multiple high-stakes investigations.
Europol’s cross-cutting support
Europol embedded dedicated analysts with each participating delegation to identify critical investigative overlaps, facilitate bilateral meetings, and resolve blind spots in ongoing cases. The European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) supported Member States in tracking cryptocurrency trails, while the European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC) provided expertise on financing networks. Specialised tools from the Europol Tool Repository by the Europol Innovation Lab were also deployed to enhance operational capabilities.
This operation underscores Europol’s strengthened global partnerships in counter-terrorism, highlighting the agency’s commitment to disrupting threats through coordinated, intelligence-driven action. By bridging national borders, the action week reinforced operational trust, mapped ISKP activities in Europe, and demonstrated the critical role of international collaboration in combating terrorism.
Participating countries
- Belgium: Federal Judicial Police (Federale Gerechtelijke Politie)
- Czechia: Czech National Police (Policie České republiky)
- Germany: State Criminal Police Office Lower Saxony (Landeskriminalamt Niedersachsen)
- Finland: National Bureau of Investigation (Keskusrikospoliisi)
- Italy: Italian National Police (D.C.P.P.)
- Ireland: An Garda Síochána
- Spain: Guardia Civil, National Police (Policía Nacional)
- United States of America: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The original announcement can be found here.
