A man accused of being an ISIS hitman who executed opponents of the regime has been seized by police in Germany.

The suspect – named only as Syrian national Asmael K., 32, – is said to have been part of an elite Islamic State assassination squad operating in his homeland.

Police arrested him in the city of Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia State on Monday, 20th March.

The terror suspect had been living with his brothers as an asylum seeker.

He was seized after the Federal Criminal Police Office got a tip-off that he was a part of a covert ISIS unit specialising in kidnap and assassination.

Following his arrest, Germany’s Attorney General said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on Wednesday, 22nd March: “The accused is strongly suspected of being a member of a terrorist organization abroad.

“Asmael K. joined the foreign terrorist organisation ‘Islamic State (IS)’ in Syria at the end of 2013 as a member.

“He publicly swore allegiance to the organisation and belonged to an IS combat unit that kidnapped and executed opposing fighters and other unpopular people.

“Yesterday Asmael K. was brought before the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice, who issued an arrest warrant and ordered the detention on remand.”

The investigations continue.