Bari: ROS (Italian Special Operations) Blitz Against an Islamic Cell: 6 arrests in Italy and Abroad

According to the findings from the investigation, the group had close contacts with prominent  members of international terrorist cells. This cell was characterized by a fierce anti-Semitism and a bitter dislike of “infidels,” such as citizens of the United States and Italy. The investigation also brought to light audio-visual pieces and documents used to proselytize and indoctrinate of new members. Even including a call to jihad and suicide bombings in the West and in war zones.

Those arrested include former imam of a southern Italian mosque in Andria, Hosni Hachemi Ben Hassen, who was considered the head of the cell. Stopped in Brussels, Ben Hassen is married to a woman who converted to Islam in Andria which is in Puglia. A call center was deemed the basis for the recruitment of followers and coordination center for possible terrorist actions outside the Italian territory.

Ben Hassen, 45, Tunisian, had connections and relationships with prominent members of international terrorist groups, including Essid Sami Ben Khemais, Ben Yahia Mouldi Ber Ben Ali and Mohamed Rachid, who have already been convicted of terrorist offenses. Ben Hassen intended to make continuous proselytizing and indoctrination materials designed to train new recruits.

Besides Ben Hassen, the other men arrested included Mohsen Hammami, 48, who currently resides in the municipality of Scorriton, in the province of Catania, Ifaoui Nour, 34 years old, homeless, living in Sicily, and Romdhane Ben Chedli Khaireddine, 32, homeless, living in Lombardy. All of the offenders are Tunisians.

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