Montreal police probe whether incendiary materials tied to Middle East conflict

Montreal police are investigating whether five individuals arrested Wednesday with incendiary materials may have been planning an act related to the conflict in the Middle East.

Police spokesperson Manuel Couture stated that investigators are working to determine if nearby synagogues were the potential targets.

"The investigation is ongoing. We're looking into what they were doing in these areas and which building was the target, as the materials in the vehicle were clearly meant to start a fire," Couture said.

Officers intercepted a vehicle containing unspecified incendiary materials just before 2 a.m. in the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough and arrested three minors, aged 16 and 17. About 15 minutes later, police arrested a 20-year-old and a 22-year-old in Côte-Saint-Luc, also found with incendiary materials in their vehicle.

The suspects have been released under conditions, with a promise to appear in court at a later date, according to police.

Montreal police attributed the arrests to increased surveillance in advance of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

"We have ears and eyes everywhere," Couture said. "We are working very hard and closely with the community. If there is any suspicious activity, we will respond immediately."

As members of the Jewish community celebrate Rosh Hashanah, synagogues and schools have heightened security.

In anticipation of protests, McGill University has announced a partial closure for Oct. 7. The campus, which had been occupied for months by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, will only be accessible to staff and students, with most classes being held online.