In response to an increased terror threat related to Islamic extremism, security measures have been reinforced around Christmas events across Europe.
Cologne, Germany, took precautionary steps after receiving indications of a potential attack.
Police, accompanied by sniffer dogs, searched the iconic cathedral on Saturday. Worshippers attending Christmas Eve Mass were subjected to security screenings before entry.
A similar approach was adopted in Vienna, Austria, where both uniformed and plainclothes officers were deployed around churches and Christmas markets.
Though authorities did not specify the nature of the threat, German news agency dpa reported a response to signs of a potential attack by Islamic extremists.
Michael Esser, head of the criminal investigation department of the Cologne police, clarified that the threat indications were more aligned with New Year’s Eve than Christmas. Nevertheless, efforts were underway to ensure the safety of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve.
Cologne’s renowned cathedral, drawing around six million visitors annually, prompted officials to advise attendees to arrive early and avoid bringing bags or purses.
The European Union’s home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, had earlier warned on December 5 of a significant risk of terrorist attacks over the Christmas holidays.
She attributed the heightened risk to the aftermath of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
