Homes of suspected members of neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division raided near Quebec City

Police in Canada have raided the homes of individuals suspected of being members of the paramilitary neo-Nazi group, Atomwaffen Division.

It was reported that more than 60 officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took part in the operation on rural homes south-west of Quebec City.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Corporal Charles Poirier said that “It’s a far-right affiliated group, which could be described as having neo-Nazi allegiance.”

RCMP also tweeted: “Searches underway in St-Ferdinand and Plessisville. Investigation targeting individuals with suspected ties to the Atomwaffen Division terrorist group. All measures are in place to ensure the safety of the public and our police officers.”

The Canadian Public Safety Department listed the organisation as a terrorist group last year.

Atomwaffen Division is a paramilitary neo-Nazi group that trains its members in the use of firearms and reportedly seeks to ignite a race war in the United States.

In January 2022, Atomwaffen Division leader, Kaleb Cole, was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with a plot to target journalists and activists.

Last year, the UK proscribed Atomwaffen Division as a terrorist organisation.

Campaign Against Antisemitism reports on antisemitic incidents throughout Canada which have drastically increased.