Risk of "Islamist-motivated attack" against places of worship in Austria
"Our intelligence services have reason to believe that an Islamist-motivated attack is planned in Vienna. As a precautionary measure, hotspots have been placed under increased surveillance by regular and special police forces."
Public chat Twitter, the Austrian police on Wednesday revealed the current threats to places of worship in Vienna. The intelligence services report a possible "Islamist-motivated attack".
In response, the Vienna police increased surveillance of the targeted locations, "Christian churches, but also places of worship of various denominations".
"Our intelligence services have reason to believe that an Islamist-motivated attack is planned in Vienna. As a precautionary measure, hotspots have been placed under increased surveillance by regular and special police forces."
And these measures are taken "until further notice", according to the police who explain, "at the present time, we cannot predict the duration of these measures".
"If an imminent danger develops at a certain place", continues the Viennese police, "we will issue a warning immediately".
Le Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Vienna, in close contact with the police, appreciates the security organized by the police.
"I have made sure that the situation is under control and I am very, very happy that we are under the protection and the aegis of the police."
According to the police spokesman Markus Dittrich, several searches have taken place but so far there have been no arrests.
Information not confirmed by the police or the ministry evoke plans of attack which could be directed against installations of the Syrian-Christian diaspora. A major police operation at the Syrian Orthodox Church took place, according to an eyewitness. But the church remains open. A media reports a risk of attacks against Coptic churches. A Syrian jihadist group would threaten compatriots who do not go to jihad. Moderate imams and Muslim figures, some of whom are threatened by the Islamic State, could also be targeted.
The 12 last march, the church at Karmelitenplatz, in Vienna, was vandalized. Black paint graffiti, "Kein Gott", "no God", was made on an exterior wall.
MC
