Skip next section Berlin investigators analyze evidence after arrest in bomb plot case
11/03/2025November 3, 2025
Berlin investigators analyze evidence after arrest in bomb plot case
Investigators in Berlin have been delving for more clues after the arrest of a 22-year-old Syrian man accused of planning a jihadist-inspired bomb attack.
Prosecutors said electronic storage devices and other materials seized during searches at three locations in the city are now being analyzed. “The next step is the evaluation of the electronic data and remaining evidence,” said prosecutor’s office spokesman Michael Petzold.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday and has been in pretrial detention since Sunday evening, accused of preparing a serious act of violence threatening the state. Officials said he had obtained parts for a homemade explosive or incendiary device, though details about a potential target remain unclear.
The man had come to investigators’ attention for sharing Islamic State propaganda on social media, including jihadist songs and hymns. Prosecutors have also charged him with spreading materials of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.
Speculation that a Berlin Christmas market may have been a target has not been confirmed. Petzold said the investigation is exploring all possibilities.
The case has reignited political debate over deportations to Syria. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said he aims to reach an agreement with Damascus this year to enable the return of offenders and rejected asylum seekers. Conservative Christian Democrat lawmaker Günter Krings called for the swift deportation of convicted terrorists, saying those who plan attacks “forfeit their right to stay.”
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Skip next section Germany’s top general says all young men should be considered for military
11/03/2025November 3, 2025
Germany’s top general says all young men should be considered for military
Germany’s armed forces chief has rejected the idea of a draft lottery in the ongoing debate over reintroducing military service, saying all young men should undergo assessment to determine eligibility.
General Inspector Carsten Breuer told Germany’s RND media group that, from a military standpoint, it was essential to screen entire age groups. “Only then do we know who is available and whom we could call upon in a defense situation — one we want to prevent,” he said.
Breuer argued that drawing lots after screening would bring in recruits by chance rather than motivation, making training less effective. If not enough volunteers come forward, he said the Bundeswehr should select those who are “especially qualified and motivated,” targeting skills such as IT expertise rather than relying on random selection.
He said a voluntary model would likely attract more recruits, provided that service is seen as meaningful and appealing.
The Bundestag is currently debating a new military service law. Within the ruling coalition, disagreement remains over what steps to take if voluntary enlistment fails to meet personnel needs.
German army needs more volunteers to fulfill NATO tasks
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Skip next section Welcome to our coverage11/03/2025November 3, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
There’s a nip in the air and the autumn leaves are falling in Bonn’s University Hofgarten [FILE: Nov 16, 2022]Image: Julia Steinbrecht/KNA/picture alliance
Guten Tag from DW’s newsroom in Bonn and Danke Schön for joining us as the autumn leaves fall outside.
Adding his voice to an ongoing debate, Germany’s armed forces chief has dismissed the idea of using a lottery to reintroduce military service.
General Inspector Carsten Breuer has said all young men should first be assessed for eligibility.
Breuer said screening full age groups was vital to know who could serve if needed, amid an increasingly perceived threat from Russia.
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