Cologne Cathedral on alert this evening. THILO SCHMUELGEN / REUTERS
The German daily Bild claims that security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that an Islamist group wants to carry out several attacks in Europe, potentially on New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
German police announced on Saturday evening that they would carry out searches in Cologne Cathedral (west) with sniffer dogs, following a “danger notice» issued for New Year’s Eve. “Even if the information relates to New Year’s Eve, from this evening we will do everything possible to ensure the safety of visitors to the cathedral on Christmas Eve.», Said Cologne police chief Michael Esser, quoted in a press release.
After the evening mass andin agreement with the security manager of the cathedral chapter“, the cathedral is searched with sniffer dogs, police said. “On Sunday, all visitors will be screened before entering the place of worship», It is specified in the press release. “Police and cathedral chapter recommend forgoing bags and arriving early to masses», it is still written.
Suspicions of several attacks in Europe
The German daily Bild claims on its website that security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that an Islamist group wants to carry out several attacks in Europe possibly on New Year’s Eve and Christmas. According to the newspaper, the targets of these attacks could be Christmas masses 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.
Contacted by AFP, a Vienna police official could not immediately confirm an arrest. Austrian police also indicated on Saturday that they were intensifying their surveillance, especially around churches, religious events and Christmas markets in Vienna.
“Terrorist actors in Europe call for attacks on Christian events, especially around December 24“, she said in a press release. “Due to the current risk assessment (…) and the continually increasing terrorist alert level, there is overall an increased risk in Austria during the Christmas holidays», Continues the press release.