(TheProudRepublic.com) – As a new bloodbath by Islamist terrorists in a Western nation has been narrowly averted, Austria’s authorities have revealed the extremists’ plan for the terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in the nation’s capital, Vienna.
The suspects were apprehended for allegedly orchestrating a terror attack described as an ISIS-style “bloodbath.”
Their plan purportedly involved driving an automobile laden with explosives into the audience to inflict maximum casualties, The New York Post reports.
Recently, both individuals had been employed by the concert venue as security staff.
Authorities disclosed that on Wednesday, two young males, aged 19 and 17, were detained in Vienna, which led to the cancellation of Swift’s three consecutive sold-out shows at the venue.
The suspects, influenced by ISIS through online channels, purportedly intended to execute their plan outside Ernst Happel Stadium using homemade explosives and machetes, according to security officials.
“The suspects actually had very specific and detailed plans … to leave a bloodbath in their wake,” stated Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
The alleged mastermind, a 19-year-old Austrian of North Macedonian descent, was found with various chemical substances and technical equipment in his residence during a police raid.
He had been advancing in constructing the bomb intended for the attack. Concurrently, the younger suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian of Turkish and Croatian heritage, was apprehended by special police forces near the intended concert location.
This individual had been employed at the venue just days prior by a service provider, with sources claiming he was designated to work in security.
Franz Ruf, Austria’s public security director, noted significant behavioral changes in both suspects leading up to their capture.
The older suspect had resigned from his job on July 25, hinting at a major upcoming event, while the younger had recently ended a relationship.
Their radical shift towards extremist ideologies was further evidenced by their communication with peers aware of the terror plot.
Additionally, a 15-year-old boy was interrogated concerning the plot on Wednesday, though it was unclear if he was formally charged.
Austrian authorities had been monitoring the older suspects due to perceived threats, and during a search of the younger suspect’s home, materials linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda were discovered.
After his arrest, the principal suspect admitted to the attack plans and had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State’s leader online.
The identities of the suspects remain undisclosed due to Austria’s privacy laws, and the 17-year-old has reportedly remained silent since his detention.
Swift’s concerts were expected to attract around 195,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday.
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