2016 Balkans terrorism plot

Simultaneous attacks planned in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia were thwarted in November 2016.[1] Nineteen people were arrested in Kosovo, and six more in Albania and Macedonia, for a total of twenty five arrests, making it one of the largest terror-related arrests in Europe in recent years.[2] Explosives, weapons, electronic equipment, and material related to extremist religious groups were seized during the raids following the arrests.[3]

The suspects, planning "synchronized terror attacks," were receiving orders from Islamic State member Lavdrim Muhaxheri.[4] Between 4 and 16 November 2016, eighteen Kosovo Albanians and one Macedonian Albanian were arrested suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kosovo and Albania. They were coordinated by Muhaxheri and fellow IS fighter Ridvan Haqifi. According to the prosecution, the terrorist group planned attacks on international and state institutions, ultimately with the intent to establish an Islamic state. They planned to attack the Israeli football team during a match in Albania. Media reports state that Kosovo government institutions and Serbian Orthodox Church sites were potential targets.[5] Among the planned targets were the Israel national football team and their supporters during the Albania–Israel World Cup qualifying match.[6][7]

In February 2017, Albania announced that it would join the counter-Islamic State efforts, and send troops to Iraq. Although it was not officially confirmed by the Albanian authorities, it is largely believed that this first active involvement of Albania in the fighting against ISIS in Iraq was triggered by the failed terror attack on Albanian soil three months earlier.[8][9]