German police have arrested five men suspected of planning a militant Islamist attack on a Christmas market in southern Bavaria, officials confirmed on Saturday. The arrests come amid ongoing concerns over attacks targeting crowded public spaces during the holiday season.
Suspected Plot and Previous Attacks
Authorities believe the suspects intended to ram a vehicle into a crowded Christmas market in the Dingolfing-Landau area, aiming to cause mass casualties. Officials noted that the plot appeared to be motivated by Islamist ideology.
Germany has a history of vehicle-ramming attacks at public gatherings. The most notorious incident occurred in 2016, when an Islamist hijacked a truck and drove it into a Berlin Christmas market, killing multiple people. Last December, a similar attack in Magdeburg resulted in several deaths, underscoring the ongoing threat to public safety during festive events.
Details of the Arrests
The five suspects were detained on Friday at the Suben border crossing between Germany and Austria. They include three Moroccan nationals aged 22, 28, and 30, an Egyptian national aged 56, and a 37-year-old Syrian. Police and prosecutors acted on intelligence indicating the group’s plan to execute a vehicle-based attack in Bavaria.
Investigators are continuing to examine the suspects’ backgrounds, connections, and possible support networks to ensure that no further threats remain. Authorities also confirmed that security measures will be increased at public holiday events across the country to prevent potential attacks.
Authorities Respond to Threats
German law enforcement emphasized that the arrests demonstrate their vigilance and preparedness in addressing extremist threats. Officials urged the public to remain alert while reassuring citizens that measures are in place to protect crowded events during the festive season.
The investigation into this suspected cell is ongoing, with prosecutors working to gather evidence and determine the full scope of the planned attack.
