The Civil Guard arrested two underage boys in Spain on serious terrorism related charges, including the dissemination of propaganda material linked to the ISIS terrorist organization and incitement to violence. Reports indicate that after exposure to jihadist content online, the youths began sharing it themselves. Investigators found that both youths acted independently and did not have formal ties to any recognized terrorist group.
From Madrid, Central Information Unit agents coordinated the operation, which led to the arrest of one of the youths in Palma, Mallorca, last Tuesday. A second arrest occurred in Plasencia, Cáceres, during the same week. The two minors were subsequently transported to Madrid, where they testified before the National Court and were later placed in a juvenile detention facility under closed custody.
The operation was conducted under the auspices of the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office and the Central Juvenile Court of the National Court. The investigation determined that the individuals engaged in activities beyond personal indoctrination, including actions aligned with a broader strategy associated with the DAESH organization and its propaganda apparatus.
Authorities confirmed that the minors reached a level of autonomy online, evolving from passive consumers of extremist content to active disseminators and even creators of their own content channels carrying jihadist material. A visual identifier resembling the ISIS logo was noted as part of their material and branding efforts.
loyalty oath
In a newer development, investigators traced the management of the youths profiles on social networks and trace activity within online gaming platforms used for coordination and recruitment by third parties. The aim appeared to be the manipulation of younger individuals to support violent causes.
Among the content disseminated by the youths, references to an oath of loyalty linked to a past terrorist attack were observed. The incident cited involved a high profile attack in Brussels with fatalities, highlighting the real world impact of online radicalization.
At the national and European levels, authorities emphasize a growing trend of minors being drawn into jihadist ideologies within digital environments. The emergence of digital natives who can access, interpret, and spread extremist material poses a new challenge for law enforcement, child protection services, and counter-extremism programs. The case underscores the necessity of early identification, safeguarding measures, and coordinated responses to prevent radicalization from progressing to action.
After the proceedings, both minors were kept in closed custody as the legal process proceeded. The Civil Guard Information Service led the operation, with close collaboration from juvenile justice authorities and the justice system to ensure proper handling of the case and protection of the public.