According to German media, security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that an Islamist group may plan to carry out several attacks in Europe on New Year's Eve and Christmas.
German police announced that they would conduct searches in Cologne Cathedral with sniffer dogs this Saturday, December 23, after a “danger alert” was issued for New Year’s Eve.
“Even if the information relates to New Year’s Eve, starting this evening we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve,” Cologne Police Chief Michael Esser is quoted as saying in a press release.
After the evening mass, the cathedral would be searched with sniffer dogs “in agreement with the security chief of the cathedral chapter,” the police said.
“On Sunday, all visitors will be screened before entering the place of worship,” the press release says. “The police and the cathedral chapter recommend avoiding bags and arriving early for masses,” it says.
Attack plans?
The German daily Bild states on its website that security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that an Islamist group may want to carry out several attacks in Europe on New Year's Eve and Christmas.
According to the newspaper, the targets of these attacks could be Christmas fairs in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. He also claims that the first arrests by special forces took place on Saturday in Vienna, as well as one in Germany.
A Vienna police officer contacted by AFP could not immediately confirm an arrest.
The Austrian police also announced on Saturday that they were increasing their surveillance, particularly around churches, religious events and Christmas markets in Vienna.
“Terrorists in Europe are calling for attacks against Christian events, particularly around December 24,” she said in a statement. “Due to the current threat development (…) and the continuously increasing terror warnings, there is an increased risk overall in Austria during the Christmas holidays,” the press release continues.