Two sisters, aged 19 and 21, were arrested in Alcorcón, Spain, accused of establishing an Islamist academy that allegedly facilitated the spread of radical ideologies.

Their journey towards radicalization began with a personal relationship, where the older sister adopted extremist views after being influenced by her ex-partner.

The arrests were made following an operation led by the General Commissioner of Information, in coordination with the Provincial Information Brigade of Madrid.

According to authorities, both sisters lived with their parents and siblings, who reportedly do not share the extremist beliefs espoused by the detainees.

Following their detainment on a recent Monday, the elder sister was remanded in provisional custody, while the younger sister was released, pending trial for suspected terror indoctrination.

Sources from the police indicated that the sisters had developed a network, functioning both physically and virtually, that resembled an academy.

The older sister reportedly dedicated up to 12 hours daily to this endeavor, ultimately leading to her dismissal from her job due to her preoccupation with religious activities.

They also organized children’s activities at mosques.

Their organization operated on a multi-tier structure.

At the foundational levels, they targeted other women, offering religious learning through WhatsApp dissemination groups with nearly a thousand followers.

They established an association to promote the _ummah_ (Muslim community) among residents of the Madrid region, presenting materials in mosques through PowerPoint and distributing educational resources.

Although their discourse at the entry levels appeared conventional and community-oriented, it was already permeated with radical ideology, citing influential figures such as Ibn Taymiyya and Sayyid Qutb, the latter known for founding the Muslim Brotherhood.

In more restricted access levels, their rhetoric became increasingly militant, discussing jihad and martyrdom, and they allegedly shared edited images portraying themselves armed and expressing desires to die in attacks.

Authorities noted that the sisters had made virtual contact with several individuals detained for terrorism-related activities in Spain, including a group of men who publicly praised their efforts.

One sister reportedly expressed in writing her desire to engage in jihad, seeing martyrdom as a noble goal.

Despite their recruitment efforts being primarily in Spanish, their extremist communications also included Arabic propaganda from the Islamic State in more restricted groups.

Their detainment was prompted after investigators observed a modified image of the younger sister holding a pistol and symbols associated with ISIS.

The elder sister reportedly had internalized jihadist ideology more thoroughly, actively practicing it, whilst both sisters conformed to roles emphasized by Islamic State doctrine, which include disseminating extremist views while awaiting marriage, reflecting an ingrained submission to anticipated marital dynamics.

Their shared aspirations included striving to engage in jihad and achieving martyrdom.