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Austrian authorities arrest two terrorist suspects at refugee shelter

Xinhua, December 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

Two Syrian brothers staying at a refugee shelter in Austria have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a terrorist organization, local media reported on Wednesday.

Following a tip-off from their counterparts in Germany, Austrian authorities made the arrest on December 17 at a home for young refugees called "Welcome," run by Catholic church charity Caritas and located in the Styrian municipality of Lebring-St. Margarethen.

The elder of the brothers, aged 18, is alleged to be a member of Islamic jihadist group Ahrar al-Sham and have fought for them. The younger brother, 16, was described by the Graz prosecutor's office as a "Sharia police officer" who allegedly fought in the Syrian civil war, at one point even against his own brother during a battle at a Syrian airport.

Both brothers, who had applied for asylum, are in custody in the Jakomini prison in Graz. They are charged with participation in a terrorist organization as well as terrorist offences including attempted murder and serious assault, that they have allegedly already confessed to.

The prosecutor's office said a third brother, the eldest of the three, is also in custody in Germany, facing charges relating to membership of terrorist group Islamic State (IS). Endit