Report: Terrorists probably planned an attack on Cologne Cathedral Probably not an accident: this man is said to be behind the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin

According to information from the newspaper ‘Bild’, terrorists are said to have planned an attack on the Cologne Cathedral. According to “Bild”, a police operation is currently taking place at the cathedral. Security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain have received information that an Islamist terrorist cell may be planning to carry out multiple attacks in Europe on New Year’s Eve or Christmas.

The targets could apparently be Christmas services in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. According to information from “Bild”, the first arrests by special forces took place in Vienna and one in Germany on Saturday.

The Viennese police are increasing protective measures

The Vienna police reported in the evening: “As a result of a current threat investigation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the continuously increased terror alert level, there is generally an increased risk in Austria during the Christmas holidays.”

In this context, terrorist actors across Europe have called for attacks on Christian events – especially around December 24. Austrian security authorities have increased protective measures in public spaces in Vienna and the federal states. Threatened places and objects in particular would be increasingly monitored. In Vienna, Stephen’s Cathedral in particular would be at risk. The Viennese police even announce access controls with submachine guns.

In Cologne, according to a police statement, the Cologne Cathedral is being searched in the evening due to a warning of danger. The management of the police operation wanted to be sure that dangerous objects had not already been deposited in the church. Explosive detection dogs are also used.

Cologne Cathedral is guarded

Michael Esser, head of the police department in Cologne, explains in the statement about the security measures: “Even though the reference is to New Year’s Eve, we will take everything into account tonight to ensure the safety of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve. In consultation with the security officer of the cathedral chapter, the cathedral is searched with sniffer dogs after evening mass and then closed. Tomorrow, all visitors will be screened before entering the church.” The police and the cathedral chapter recommend avoiding bags and arriving early for mass.