Certainly into the new year: highest alert for New Year's Eve 2024!

Certainly into the new year: highest alert for New Year's Eve 2024!

Herrengasse 7, 1010 Wien, Österreich - On December 27, 2024, the Austrian security authorities confirmed their willingness to alert with regard to New Year's Eve. At a press conference, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner informed that the risk of terrorism in some European countries, due to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, was also increased latently for Austria. From the turn of the year, there are increased security measures, including an increased presence of special units and the use of technical aids such as drones to ensure the celebrations.

concrete threats and security concept

Despite the lack of a concrete attack plans, both Karner and Federal Police Director Michael Takács emphasized the high level of safety. Since October, the police have confiscated 20,000 illegal fireworks, which were mainly smuggled from the Czech Republic. These measures are reaction to the violations of executive officials in recent years by pyrotechnic objects. The government of state protection and intelligence service (DSN) also remains vigilant after three suspects were arrested in Vienna in Vienna before Christmas, which are said to have connections to a radical Islamist terror network. These suspects are suspected of planning attacks on goals such as Cologne Cathedral and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Due to the risk of acts found, they remained in custody.

According to the DSN, both radicalized individuals and small groups could be a threat, especially for large crowds during the New Year's Eve. Karner emphasized that all authorities will do everything possible to enable people in Austria to have a safe turn of the year, although the security situation is classified as challenging. For further information on the security measures and the background, read more at OTS and The press .