Austrian, German and Spanish police are on high alert in several cities, including cathedrals, amid fears Islamists are planning a terror attack on Christmas or New Year, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Several suspects have already been arrested in Vienna and Germany, according to German reports. According to Bild, several suspects were arrested in the Otakring district of Vienna, while another was arrested in Saarland, Germany.
The arrested suspects are Tajiks said to be linked to Islamic State in Khorasan province, IS's south and central Asian branch. "As terrorists across Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around December 24, security authorities have increased appropriate security measures in public places in Vienna and the federal states," Vienna police said.
There would be increased patrols and surveillance during the holidays, with attention focused primarily on churches, religious events and Christmas markets, added from the Austrian capital police. /BGNES
