Faeser on Vienna attack plans: threat in Germany still high
The threat level from Islamic terrorism remains high in Germany, said Faeser. "That was one of the reasons why we, together with the states, implemented strong protective measures for the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany." In the Austrian capital of Vienna on Wednesday evening, three planned concerts by Taylor Swift were cancelled due to suspected Islamic attack plans. The police arrested a 19-year-old who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) organization. He admitted, according to security authorities, that he intended to carry out a suicide bombing with explosives and melee weapons near the concert arena. Another man who was arrested worked for a company that was supposed to provide services at the Ernst Happel Stadium, where Swift was due to perform.
"Germany, like other EU countries, is in the target range of terrorist organizations like the so-called Islamic State," said Faeser. "The dangerous escalations in the Middle East since October 7, 2023 - the Hamas terror attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war - can lead to further radicalization and emotionalization in the jihadist scene."
In recent months, German security authorities have also struck early several times to prevent attack plans, said the minister. "We follow up on every lead and act in close coordination with our international partners."
Germany hosted the UEFA European Football Championship despite the high threat level from Islamic terrorism, as Faeser mentioned implementing strong protective measures for the event. In light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Faeser highlighted that Germany, like other EU countries, remains a potential target for terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State, thereby emphasizing the importance of such protective measures during the European football championship.
