In recent years, Spain has faced a significant shift in the structure of terrorist threats. Authorities are particularly concerned about the growing number of terrorism-related detainees under the age of 25. This trend affects national security and also raises questions about the causes of such early radicalization among young people. According to the Observatorio Internacional de Estudios sobre el Terrorismo (OIET), young citizens are the main targets of extremist networks, highlighting the need for new prevention and response strategies.
Digital technologies play a crucial role in this process. Over the past year, the Centro de Inteligencia contra el Terrorismo y el Crimen Organizado (CITCO) has removed more than 11,300 pieces of terrorist content from 22 online platforms. Propaganda spread via the internet has become the main tool for attracting young people to extremist groups. Leaders’ video messages, music tracks with calls to violence, and other forms of content spread rapidly among teenagers and young adults, making them a vulnerable target for recruitment.
Age and dynamics
Just five years ago, most people detained on terrorism charges in Spain were over 25 years old. Now the situation has changed: in 2025, 35% of the 100 detainees were aged 18 to 24, and 13 were minors. This means that almost half of those arrested are young people under 25. Analysis by russpain.com points out that the accessibility of new technologies and social networks has become a catalyst for accelerated radicalization. Young people encounter extremist content more frequently, increasing the risk of being drawn into dangerous networks.
The profiles of those detained are highly diverse: among them are both Spanish citizens and people from Morocco. These two nationalities make up the majority of suspects. At the same time, according to OIET, it is impossible to single out a common social or educational profile, which complicates prevention and early identification of potential threats.
The role of organizations and nationality
In 2025, the number of Spanish citizens detained stabilized at 41. Moroccans accounted for 28% of all arrests. Among the terrorist organizations involved in cases on Spanish territory, Daesh leads, responsible for 69% of incidents. This group actively uses online platforms to spread its ideology and recruit new members. Al-Qaeda was mentioned in only one case, while Hezbolá was involved in a case providing logistical support.
According to OIET, international ties and constant renewal of communication channels enable extremist groups to quickly adapt to new conditions. This complicates the work of law enforcement and demands continuous updates to countermeasures.
Technology and new challenges
The use of the internet and social networks has become a key factor in changing the structure of threats. Young people spend more time in digital spaces than others, where they encounter propaganda and recruitment attempts. In response, authorities are increasing monitoring and removal of dangerous content. However, extremist networks continue to find new ways to bypass blocks.
In recent months, police have repeatedly reported detaining groups involved in distributing radical materials. For example, in Melilla, two brothers were arrested on suspicion of creating and spreading propaganda. Such cases are becoming more frequent, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to combating radicalization.
Context and related events
In recent years, Europe has seen a rise in cases involving youth recruitment by extremist organizations. Neighboring countries are also reporting an increase in the number of minors detained on terrorism-related charges. In 2024, France and Germany documented similar cases where teenagers became subjects of investigations on suspicion of planning attacks. In Spain, according to RUSSPAIN, these trends have heightened the focus on prevention and educational programs aimed at shielding young people from the influence of radical networks. Overall, the situation calls for continuous review of strategies and active cooperation between government bodies and society.
