Police in Turkey have arrested a man suspected of scouting out potential targets in Paris for the self-titled Islamic State group ahead of last
ADVERTISEMENTPolice in Turkey have arrested a man suspected of scouting out potential targets in Paris for the self-titled Islamic State group ahead of last week’s attacks.
26-year-old Ahmet Dahmani, a Belgian of Moroccan origin, was reportedly detained at a luxury hotel in the coastal resort of Antalya.
Turkish police detain suspected Islamic State scout in Paris attacks: report https://t.co/wJWAk5P6mc
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 21, 2015
Two other men with connections to Ahmet Dahmani were arrested on a road nearby. It is suggested they had been sent to ensure his safe passage across the border.
News agencies have identified the two men as 29-year-old Ahmet Tahir and 23-year-old Muhammed Verdi.
Counter-terrorism police say they first became aware of Ahmet Dahmani when he arrived on a flight to Antalya and tracked him to the hotel in the Manavgat district of the city.
The Latest on Paris attacks: Turkish media report detention of 3 suspected militants: https://t.co/nVkF6oNuuS
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 21, 2015
Who Is #AhmetDahmani? Suspected #ISIS Scout Involved In #ParisAttacks Arrested In #Turkeyhttps://t.co/M9BiZjKFX2
— Suman Varandani (@suman09) November 21, 2015
The investigation in Paris
In Paris, investigators are now directly linking Abdelhamid Abbaoud with last week’s attacks on bars and restaurants in the north-east of the city.
Cámaras del metro grabaron a #AbdelhamidAbbaoud, cerebro de los ataques en #Paríshttps://t.co/ty2wdnOHENpic.twitter.com/7H6zKm4BEV
— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) November 20, 2015
Traces of the 28-year-old alleged mastermind of the attacks, who died in the St Denis operation, have reportedly been found on a weapon in the black Seat car linked to the shootings.
Salah Abdelslam
BREAKING: Needles and syringes found in hotel room used by wanted Paris attacker Salah Abdelslam pic.twitter.com/KKkJ4L8jkd
— The Local France (@TheLocalFrance) November 17, 2015
Officers are still looking for Salah Abdelslam, who is suspected of involvement either with the attack on restaurants or the Stade de France.
His brother, Brahim, died when his bomb belt exploded outside the Cafe Voltaire.