2 arrested in Berlin on suspicion of supporting terrorism

German special police units stand in front of an entrance of an apartment building in the Wedding district in Berlin January 16, 2015. Around 250 policemen took part in the raid and arrested two suspected Islamists, police said.[Photo/Agencies]

BERLIN - Berlin police say they have taken two men into custody on suspicion they were recruiting fighters and procuring equipment and funding for the so-called Islamic State terrorism group in Syria.

The two were picked up Friday morning in a series of raids on the German capital involving the search of 11 residences by 250 police officers. Authorities said the raids were part of a months-long investigation into a small group of extremists based in Berlin.

The group's leader, identified only as 41-year-old Ismet D. in accordance with privacy laws, is accused organizing the group of largely Turkish and Russian nationals to fight against ``infidels'' in Syria. Emin F., 43, is accused of being in charge of finances.

Police say there's no evidence they were planning attacks inside Germany.