A 21-year-old Afghan man has been arrested in Salzburg, Austria, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack.

Authorities believe he was a sleeper agent for the Islamic State (IS) and had been preparing to target Christmas markets, police officers, and Jewish communities.

The suspect, who was detained on December 1, reportedly spread IS propaganda on TikTok and participated in extremist online forums.

Investigators uncovered plans for attacks involving knives and explosives, and a house search revealed critical evidence.

The man, who had been granted subsidiary protection in Austria, has confessed to the charges.

His arrest is seen as a significant step in preventing potential holiday season attacks.