Police visibly out and about at Christmas markets
Christmas markets and other Christmas-related events are currently a particular focus for the state police. "The police authorities ensure - depending on the size and significance as well as the local conditions of the events - a visible police presence, among other things," the Ministry of the Interior announced in Magdeburg on Friday. However, the security authorities do not believe that there is a specific threat to Christmas markets in the state. The background to this are calls by terrorist groups from the Islamist spectrum in particular to carry out attacks in Western countries.
Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) commented on the suspicion of terrorism against an arrested 20-year-old Iraqi from Saxony-Anhalt: "This suspicion of terrorism also underlines the tense, heightened security situation throughout Germany. I would like to thank all the security authorities involved for their high level of vigilance and excellent cooperation."
The Ministry of the Interior went on to explain: "Even though Saxony-Anhalt is currently characterized by an increased abstract threat situation, the security authorities currently have no knowledge or indications from which a concrete threat specifically for Christmas markets could be derived," it continued. "The war in the Middle East following the terrorist attacks against the state of Israel has further exacerbated the security situation, as the aforementioned calls for attacks are linked to current developments and can particularly catch on with radicalized individuals." The MDR had previously reported.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the 20-year-old Iraqi arrested in Lower Saxony, who is said to have planned a terrorist attack during the Christmas period, is continuing. He is still in police custody "on the basis of measures to avert danger", the State Criminal Police Office of Lower Saxony announced on Friday. The 20-year-old, who according to police information had planned a serious act of violence during the Christmas period, was arrested in Helmstedt on November 21. Most recently, two young people were arrested in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg for allegedly planning a Christmas market attack.
Given the increased threat of terrorism from Islamist groups, custom officials are also stepping up their efforts to secure the borders and prevent potential threats. In light of these concerns, internal security measures have been strengthened at Christmas markets, as they are identified as potential targets for terrorist attacks.
Source: www.dpa.com
