In Germany, security at Christmas markets has been increased to an unprecedented extent due to the threat of terrorist attacks.
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At the end of November, Christmas markets open across Germany, with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution reporting that the risk of attacks against them has “greatly increased.” In addition, law enforcement officers reported the detention of two teenagers who were allegedly preparing an attack on December 1 in Cologne.
In connection with what is happening in the Middle East, a terrorist threat has arisen at Christmas markets in Germany. Because of their Christian origins, these holidays are a target for attacks by Islamist terrorists, Rainer Wendt, head of the German police union, told BILD.
Some cities, such as Frankfurt or Stuttgart, have already taken unprecedented security measures. So, in Frankfurt, special metal barriers were installed, and more police officers took to the streets than ever before.
In Stuttgart, around the market square where the Christmas market takes place, poles were also installed, which, due to their heavy weight, can only be moved with a forklift. The manufacturer claims that they can stop any car.
The fair in Berlin on Breitscheidplatz is especially carefully guarded. In 2016, a terrorist crashed a car into a crowd here. Then 12 people were killed and 67 were injured.
I was here the day the attack happened. Literally ten minutes before him. After a year it became difficult for me to be here, but today I have no worries. Everything is protected,” says Florian Helweg, one of the fair’s visitors.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.