As the Christmas market season is in full swing in Germany, authorities are calling for vigilance against the risk of terrorism, even in the absence of a concrete threat. Security has been tightened across the country.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser urged visitors to Christmas markets to be particularly attentive.
“The federal security services currently have no concrete indication of any particular danger, but due to the high threat level, vigilance is required”she said.
Since October 7, 2023, the alert level has been raised in the country, although no specific threats have been identified.
This year again, strict security measures have been put in place, such as a ban on knives and increased surveillance via surveillance cameras.
A latent risk
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the German security and intelligence agency, recalls that Germany remains a potential target for terrorist organizations, notably the Islamic State (IS).
According to the security service, Christmas markets attract attention due to their accessibility, popularity and ability to bring large crowds together in central locations.
The memory of the 2016 attack, where a terrorist drove a truck into the Berlin Christmas market, causing the death of 12 people, remains in our memories.
Although authorities have since strengthened preventive measures, the risk remains present.
christmas market germany terrorist threat danger
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