Terrorism Close Calls: The Sauerland Cell - Plot to Kill US Soldiers

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A group called the Sauerland cell consisted of two Turks and two German converts to Islam. Their targets are the US Ramstein Airbase and popular bars and nightclubs in Germany. Modeling their plot on the Bali bombings of 2002 they plan to detonate bombs inside the clubs forcing people to the streets where they plan to place bigger car bombs for maximum impact. The plot to kill “many” is considered one of the most significant homegrown terrorist threats to Germany and would launch a nine-month undercover surveillance operation. Once arrested all four suspects issued lengthy confessions calling their intended plot a “defensive jihad” and retaliation against the enemies of Islam.