German authorities on Saturday evening initiated a search of the Cologne Cathedral with the help of sniffer dogs, following a threat alert specifically concerning New Year’s Eve.
Cologne Police Chief Michael Esser stated that, despite the warning being about New Year’s Eve, measures were being taken from Christmas Eve to guarantee the safety of those visiting the cathedral.
The cathedral was to be searched with sniffer dogs and subsequently closed after the evening mass, as per an agreement with the cathedral’s head of security, according to police announcements.
Moreover, visitors planning to attend the Cologne Cathedral on Sunday will undergo security screenings prior to entry.
The German newspaper Bild has reported that security agencies in Austria, Germany, and Spain have received intelligence about a potential Islamist group plotting multiple attacks across Europe, potentially targeting New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
The report suggests that Christmas masses in Cologne, Vienna, and Madrid might be among the intended targets.
Additionally, Bild disclosed that special forces in Vienna and Germany had detained suspects on Saturday. However, when AFP contacted a police official in Vienna, there was no immediate confirmation of any arrests.
In response to the heightened threat level, Austrian police announced increased security measures, particularly around churches, religious events, and Christmas markets in Vienna.
“Terrorist actors across Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events — especially around December 24th,” they said in a statement.
“Due to a current risk assessment… and the continued increased terror alert level, there is generally an increased risk in Austria during the Christmas holidays.”
