German Police Thwart Alleged Terror Plot on Cologne Cathedral
In a significant operation on Sunday, German police detained three additional suspects believed to be part of an alleged Islamist plot to attack the iconic Cologne Cathedral on New Year's Eve. The suspects reportedly planned to use a car to target the 800-year-old Gothic landmark situated by the Rhine river.
Cologne police director Frank Wissbaum revealed at a news conference that the method of the planned attack was unclear. However, authorities had searched the underground car park beneath the cathedral using explosives sniffer dogs. The detained individuals are now in custody, preventing communication between them.
Investigators discovered evidence on Saturday linking the three suspects to a 30-year-old Tajik man with alleged ties to the Islamic State militant movement, who has been in custody since December 24. Federal authorities are conducting a broader investigation into a "network of individuals" from Central Asia with connections to various German states and European countries.
The identities and backgrounds of the individuals in custody have not been disclosed. The arrests took place in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne, and Noervenich, with authorities seizing communication devices during searches of their apartments.
Ahead of New Year's Eve service at the cathedral, security has been heightened, and police warned the public not to be alarmed by officers carrying machine guns and body armor. Simultaneously, in Berlin, additional police presence is observed, especially after last year's celebrations were marred by violent clashes.
Concerns in the capital grew with the ban on a pro-Palestinian solidarity demonstration scheduled for midnight. The move comes amid tensions among some Muslims in Germany, expressing dissatisfaction with the support shown for Tel Aviv in its conflict with Hamas. The authorities are vigilant to ensure public safety during the New Year's celebrations.
