Berlin: The Berlin police say they have taken two men into custody on suspicion they were recruiting fighters and procuring equipment and funding for the so-called Islamic State terrorism group in Syria.
The two were picked up this morning in a series of raids on the German capital involving the search of 11 residences by 250 police officers. Authorities said the raids were part of a months-long investigation into a small group of extremists based in Berlin.
The group's leader, identified only as 41-year-old Ismet D in accordance with privacy laws, is accused of organising the group of largely Turkish and Russian nationals to fight against "infidels" in Syria. Emin F, 43, is accused of being in charge of finances.
Police say there's no evidence they were planning attacks inside Germany.
