Safeguarding the constitution is crucial. - Current threat of Islamist terrorism is at an all-time high.
The possibility of Islamic terrorist attacks in Germany has increased significantly this year, as evaluated by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The recent conflict in Gaza has contributed to this rise in risk. "The danger of jihadist attacks is as real as it has been in a long time," shared Thomas Haldenwang, the president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, with the German Press Agency (dpa) in Berlin. Authorities have been looking into numerous indications of potential attacks.
Haldenwang cited several reasons for the increased threat, including self-radicalized individuals. He mentioned that the power transfer to the Islamic Taliban in Afghanistan has increased the overall jihadist idea. The growth of the Iraqi terrorist militia Islamic State Province Khorasan (ISPK) in Pakistan and Afghanistan has also been contributing to the issue. Moreover, Haldenwang stated that the burning of Qurans in Scandinavia and the Israeli military operation against the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip have led to the formation of "radicalization spirals."
The current situation in the Middle East after the Hamas terrorist attack has further deteriorated the threat situation posed by Islamic terrorism. "Germany is being targeted by jihadists more than other European countries due to the belief that our country, along with the United States, is one of the most significant supporters of Israel," said Haldenwang.
Recently, a 25-year-old Afghan stabbed five members of the anti-Islamic group Pax Europa and a policeman in Mannheim. The 29-year-old officer, Rouven Laur, later passed away due to his injuries. The authorities are currently suspecting an Islamic extremist motive behind the attack.
Haldenwang reiterated that his office has consistently maintained that "the security situation is very tense." It is currently challenging to determine the primary threat to security.
He added that the nation is facing three chief dangers: the threat of Islamic terrorism, which is stimulated by right-wing extremism and the hatred towards foreigners and Muslims in society, the surveillance and espionage actions of foreign states, and the increasingly violent left-wing extremism.
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The threat of extremism in Syria and its potential spillover into Europe is a concern for the German secret services. The Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan has further strengthened the echo chambers for extremist ideologies. Following the incident in Mannheim, Germany has been urged to focus on its own protection against the danger of terrorism, particularly from the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan and Iraq. The current situation demands a serious stop to the rise of terrorism and radicalization, both from within and outside the country.
Germany's foreign policy, especially its support for Israel, has made it a target for Islamic extremist attacks. The recent attack in Mannheim underscores the need for vigilance and effective countermeasures to prevent such incidents. In light of these threats, Thomas Haldenwang has emphasized the importance of monitoring and addressing the three primary dangers: Islamic terrorism, right-wing extremism, and the increasing violence from left-wing extremist groups.
The Berlin government is taking steps to address these challenges, including possible expulsions of severe offenders and clarifying its stance on potential Afghan deportations. Amidst these efforts, the focus remains on preserving Germany's constitution and guaranteeing its citizens' safety from both homegrown and foreign threats. In the midst of climate records being broken and international conflicts, addressing the danger of terrorism remains a top priority for the German authorities.
