German authorities have stepped up security at the cathedral in Cologne after warnings of a possible attack.
Worshipers attending the Christmas Eve service were told to arrive early and not to bring large bags with them.
The city’s police chief said information points to threats on New Year’s Eve, not Christmas, but security will be stepped up regardless.
Fears of attacks have been heightened in several European countries during the festive period. Authorities used sniffer dogs to search Cologne Cathedral on Saturday night, but no traces of explosives were found.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of visitors,” said Chief of Police Michael Esser.
Authorities in Germany, Austria and Spain said radical groups could be planning attacks around Christmas or New Year. Four people were arrested in Austria on Saturday. Media reports that the suspects may have ties to the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (IS-K), an offshoot of the Islamic State group. It is not clear whether the arrests are related to the alleged plot in Cologne.
Dozens of police officers were deployed near Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There was no danger of an immediate attack in that area, the Ministry of the Interior announced on Sunday.
Earlier this month, seven people were detained in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands on suspicion of planning attacks. European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on December 5 that the EU faces a “high risk of terrorist attacks” during the holiday period, Fena writes.
Photo ©️ Christopher Larson / TripSavvy
