The Islamist-motivated terrorist attack in Villach

The Islamist-motivated knife attack in Villach in February 2025 highlights the growing threat posed by online radicalization. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Salafist-jihadist networks have stepped up their propaganda on the internet and created a “virtual caliphate” that reaches young Muslims via social media and encrypted platforms. The alleged perpetrator in Villach—an asylum seeker who was radicalized online—is a prime example of this new, location-independent threat.

(This article is only available in German)

Der islamistisch motivierte Terrorakt von Villach