Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, has warned of an “abstractly high threat level” at outdoor Christmas markets, while clarifying that security authorities have no evidence of specific terrorist plans.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is continuously assessing the threat level and coordinating with federal states, Faeser told the RND network. “Federal security authorities currently have no concrete indications of danger, but given the abstractly high threat level, we have every reason to remain highly vigilant and take consistent action to ensure our safety,” Faeser emphasized.
A BKA spokesperson explained that while there are no signs of a specific threat, the large crowds, central locations, and open access at Christmas markets inherently pose a potential risk. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BVf) has also highlighted Christmas markets as “suitable” targets for Islamist extremists due to their symbolic connection to Christian values and their representation of Western culture and lifestyle.
The newspaper BILD referenced an internal BKA document, which mentions a “consistently abstractly high” risk of attacks and notes calls from the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISKP) for “lone wolf” attacks in Western countries.
Germany’s police union (GdP) assured the public that the country’s police force is well-prepared for potential risks. “People have been safe at Christmas markets in recent years, and they can feel safe again this year,” said GdP President Jochen Kopelke. He added that there will be an increased police presence during the holiday season, supported by investments in new technologies, including surveillance cameras and specialized barriers to prevent vehicle access at market sites.
Following the knife attack in Solingen last August, where an Afghan national killed three people, stricter weapons laws have been implemented. These include a ban on carrying knives at public events and expanded police authority to conduct inspections as deemed necessary without complex procedures. “With the new security measures, we have created effective tools for ensuring safety in public spaces,” Faeser concluded.
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Source: ANA-MPA
