The RCMP warned of increasing violent extremism among Canadian youth and urged Jewish leaders to be vigilant after teenagers were arrested on terrorism-related charges in the past five days.

The police said that five young Canadians have now been arrested in terrorism-related cases since June. This includes a teenager from Ottawa who was arrested on Friday and charged in connection with a plot against the Jewish community in the city.

The 16-year-old youth arrested in Calgary on December 13 is the third teenager and the fourth person to be arrested in relation to a case involving the use of social media sites like TikTok and threats against Jewish communities and the LGBTQ+ community.

The police are asking parents and other authority figures to be alert to signs of extremism, including increased associations with groups that support violence and attempts to recruit others to their cause.

The Jewish Federation in Ottawa said it is asking people to "exercise more awareness and vigilance," follow security protocols, and report any suspicious behavior to the police.