Norway arrests 16-year-old over suspected terror plot

Norwegian police said on August 26, 2026, that they had arrested a 16-year-old boy suspected of preparing a terrorist act after threats appeared on social media.

Police prosecutor Lise Dalhaug told AFP that police received a tip from an "anonymous person abroad" who had seen disturbing threats on several social media platforms. She said the boy was then identified and arrested, and that the case was being investigated as preparation for a terrorist act.

The arrest took place in early June but had not been made public until now. Dalhaug said the boy was a resident of the Vestfold region, south of Oslo.

Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten reported that the boy had planned to attack a preschool with axes and knives. Dalhaug would not confirm that account, but said the boy had talked about several targets.

Dalhaug said the investigation so far indicated that the boy was alone in the planning. Police hope to complete the investigation by the end of September. She said the offence was very serious and that the boy could face a harsh prison sentence if convicted.