Four teenagers aged 14 to 17 were arrested in Elche, Spain, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the Basilica of Santa María.

Authorities discovered their radicalization through social media activity, leading to their detention on December 19. The suspects, of Moroccan descent, are now in a juvenile center in Madrid under investigation.

This case highlights a worrying trend of jihadist groups targeting minors for recruitment, often through online platforms.

Spain has seen a rise in youth radicalization, with 19 cases involving minors reported in 2023 alone.

Security measures have been heightened nationwide during the holiday season to prevent potential attacks.