Islamic Terrorists Arrested Over Alleged Pope Assassination Plot

Indonesian authorities arrested several suspected ISIS terrorists who were allegedly plotting to assassinate Pope Francis during his recent visit to the country. Indonesia’s elite anti-terrorism unit, Detachment-88, confirmed the arrests of seven individuals in various cities, as part of a coordinated effort to thwart the extremists' plans.

The suspects, whose full names were withheld, are identified by their initials—HFP, LB, DF, FA, HS, ER, and RS. Investigations leading to the arrests were initiated after police received tips from the public, although it remains unclear whether the individuals were part of a single terror cell or acted independently.

According to sources, searches of one suspect’s home revealed chilling evidence of their intent, including bows and arrows, a drone, and ISIS leaflets. Some of the suspects had reportedly sworn allegiance to ISIS, and at least one was linked to a 2019 attack on Indonesia’s former chief security minister.

The radical Islamists were motivated to target Pope Francis because of his visit to Jakarta’s Istiqlal mosque, one of the largest in the world. Their anger was further fueled by the government's request that television stations refrain from broadcasting the Islamic call to prayer (azan) during the Pope’s televised address. In their eyes, this was an unacceptable insult, triggering plans for violent reprisal.

While addressing the nation at the presidential palace in Jakarta, Pope Francis denounced terrorism, stating, “There are times when faith can be manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred.” His words ring true in Indonesia, where 87% of the population practices Islam, with a vast majority identifying as Sunni Muslims—the sect that many Islamic terrorist organizations, like ISIS, draw their radical followers from.

As the world watches, these arrests serve as a stark reminder that the global fight against radical Islamic terrorism is far from over. The threat from ISIS and its offshoots continues to endanger both local and international figures, driven by a distorted interpretation of their faith.

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