In a significant crackdown on terrorism, Interpol has announced the arrest of 37 suspected terrorists, including members of the Islamic State, across east Africa over the past two months.
The arrests were made in joint operations with the pan-African police body Afripol in November and December.
The suspects were apprehended in various countries, including Kenya, where 17 people were arrested, including two suspected ISIS members.
Additionally, a suspected member of ISIS Mozambique was arrested in Tanzania, while others were taken into custody in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.
These arrests come amid growing concerns about a potential resurgence of the ISIS militant group, particularly after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
The recent attack in New Orleans, where a U.S. Army veteran flying an ISIS flag killed 15 people, has further highlighted the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism.
According to Cyril Gout from Interpol, “East Africa’s complex landscape, marked by political instability, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges, continues to provide an environment conducive to terrorist activity.”
However, he noted that the successful arrests demonstrate the power of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
