According to British newspaper Express, city of London and other European capitals have been warned about an imminent terror attack “on or before New Year’s Eve.” The security alert issued by an unnamed intelligence agency specifically mentions the likelihood of an attack on shoppers and revellers in crowded places around New Year’s Eve in a European city.
The warning is considered credible, prompting the police departments across Europe to take security measures in a bid to avert another Paris-style attack. London-based Express writes:
The terror alert was handed to Austrian police from a “friendly” intelligence service, as evidence grows that jihadi sleeper cells are planning to hit Western targets.It has prompted police across the continent to increase security measures in a bid to prevent a Paris-style copycat attack on an unknown location in Europe. (…)A statement released by police in Austria said: “In the days before Christmas a warning was sent out by a friendly (intelligence) service to numerous European capitals, saying that it could come to an attack involving explosives or a shooting between Christmas and the New Year in crowded spaces.”
Austrian Police has intensified security checks, increased readiness in case of an attack, and tightened vigilance at country’s airports and public place.
French Police also placed over 48,000 police officers to secure “sensitive sites”, mainly Churches and Synagogues, throughout the holiday season till January 4.
In Germany, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the country is “still in the crosshairs of Jihadist terrorism.”
Though European security agencies have not named the “friendly foreign intelligence service”, but Israel could be one of the potential sources of intelligence. Israel — as a frontline state facing global jihad — has long been cooperating with Europeans in the field of counter-terrorism.
Last month, Israel provided key intelligence to Germany on an imminent terrorist attack during a soccer match between Germany and the Netherlands in the city of Hanover. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel were set to attend the match to show solidarity with France in the aftermath of Paris attacks.
So far Islamic State (ISIS) has made good on its promises of hitting at the heart of Europe. With ISIS claiming to have smuggled more than four thousand fighters into Europe, using the cover of migrant influx — ‘Fortress Europe’ didn’t look this vulnerable since the end of Cold War, a quarter of a century ago.
The year that began with a three-day terror spree in early January at the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo and kosher grocery in Paris claiming 17 lives, is refusing to end on a peaceful note for Europe.
Video: European cities warned of possible terror attack, says Vienna police
(Cover image courtesy Wochit News, YouTube screenshot)
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