Security alarm at Christmas markets: Police react to threats!

Security alarm at Christmas markets: Police react to threats!

Erfurt, Deutschland - The security situation on the Advent markets in Austria and Germany has intensified dramatically. After the recent incidents, especially the fatal attack in Magdeburg, the police in Erfurt previously cleared the Christmas market there. According to Thuringian Interior Minister Georg Maier, this happened at the suggestion of the organizer, although there was no specific threat situation at that time. The decision was referred to as a pure precaution. Maier announced that the police presence at the Christmas markets in Thuringia significantly increase and to check all security precautions, as Zeit.de

high security precautions in Austria

In Austria, the safety precautions on the Christmas markets have also been drastically increased. The second highest terrorist warning level has been in effect since autumn 2023. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that the police will be present with reinforced foot strips, SEK units and civil workers to ensure a safe Advent. Before the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, police officers already took a position in full gear after speculation in the media about possible terrorist threats. So far there have been no specific indications of threats in Austria, in contrast to the situation in Germany, but the focus on prevention is clearly noticeable, so oe24.at .

The security forces constantly observe possible risks from the field of Islamist extremism. These developments have also influenced the measures and strategies of the authorities to prevent attacks. With these sharp safety precautions, those responsible want to offer visitors to the Christmas markets a safe experience and preserve the festive character. But the fear of further attacks remains noticeable in the air.