A father and son have been charged with planning a terrorist attack in Toronto on behalf of the Islamic State jihadist group, Canadian authorities said Wednesday.
Ahmed Eldidi, 62, and Mostafa Eldidi, 26, were in “advanced stages of planning a serious, violent attack,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement.
The men, both Canadian citizens, were arrested at a hotel in Richmond Hill, just outside Toronto, on Sunday.
“The accused knowingly facilitated terrorist activity in the Greater Toronto Area,” the RCMP said, adding “there is no evidence to suggest that there is any remaining risk to the public.”
The pair face charges including participation in the activities of a terrorist group, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of an axe and machete.
An investigation into the two men began a month ago, police told a news conference.
“This was an imminent threat and we were able to prevent serious injuries or loss of life,” RCMP officer Matt Peggs said.
The men are due to appear before a judge on Thursday.
