German police have arrested nine men suspected of supporting militant groups in Syria, Reuters said.

German police have arrested nine men suspected of supporting militant groups in Syria, Reuters said.

Numerous properties were also raided in one of the largest sweeps against alleged extremists in Germany yet, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

More than 240 police officers took part in the operation in the most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

A network was targeted which is believed to help radical organizations, including ISIL.