Report: ISIS terrorist cell in Nijmegen asylum camp

Members of a sleeping cell of terrorist organization Islamic State were living in an "asylum camp in Nijmegen", a jihadist who turned himself in said to the French police, NRC reports.

Exactly which asylum center is involved and whether these alleged jihadists are still in the Netherlands, is unclear. According to NRC, France informed the Netherlands about the existence of this cell in February. The Public Prosecutor confirmed reports about the terrorist cell to NRC, but would make no further comments as the investigation is still ongoing.

The jihadist, 28-year-old Saleh A., turned himself in to the French police on February 1st to warn of an attack. He told the police that he was at the head of a sleeping ISIS cell operating from Nijmegen and Dusseldorf. This cell stood ready to attack within 24 hours of receiving such a command, according to him. A. is still in custody. According to the newspaper, the police are trying to verify his information and figure out his motive for turning himself in.

Three Syrians believed to belong to this cell were arrested in Germany on Thursday last week. According to the German authorities, they were planning to commit an attack in Dusseldorf. The Dutch Public Prosecutor told NRC that no arrests were made in connection with this case in the Netherlands so far.