Spain and Austria have a historic connection that goes back centuries, dating to when Spanish monarchs were members the Habsburg dynasty, which also ruled the Austrian Empire. Remember the Habsburg Jaw? Several Spanish kings suffered from this unfortunate genetic disorder — caused by inbreeding — as well as the rulers of Austria and other Central European countries.

Two young Moroccan mujahideen seem to demonstrate a modern-day affinity between Austria and Spain: after their return from Syria, one was arrested in Barcelona, and the other in Upper Austria.

Many thanks to Gary Fouse for translating this article from eXXpress:

Terror suspect (36) arrested in Upper Austria: Moroccan arrived via the Balkan route

Double success in the fight against terror. Police were able to arrest a Moroccan terror suspect (36) in Upper Austria upon his return from Syria. One of his accomplices was also arrested in Barcelona.

A 36-year-old Moroccan terror suspect has been arrested in Upper Austria. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed corresponding media reports on Saturday. The arrest was carried out when the Syria-returnee was trying to leave the federal territory on a train to Germany, the spokesperson stated. There was an EU-wide arrest warrant for the “foreign terrorist fighter” issued in Spain.

Second suspect arrested in Barcelona

The Moroccan, who was arrested in July of 2022, has a residence in Spain and reportedly traveled to Syria in 2014 to join an al-Qaeda-associated group, the Interior Ministry stated Saturday. There was a 29-year-old Moroccan traveling with him, who had no outstanding arrest warrant at that time. Now the second suspect has been arrested near Barcelona, the ministry said. He reportedly traveled to Syria in 2015. Both men are under investigation on suspicion of participation in and support of terrorism.

“Fight against terror cannot rest”

“In the fight against international terror networks, close cooperation with our partners is essential. As the successful operation and both arrests again show, the State Security and Intelligence Service Directorate is in the best position and will continue to proceed against these criminals. Because the fight against terror cannot rest for one second. The police will carry on in the future with all consistency and severity,” stated Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP [Österreichische Volkspartei, Austrian People’s Party]).