Europe was warned of attacks between Christmas and New Year

Citing information sent by a country's intelligence service "friend", the Austrian authorities claim that European capitals are on alert for terrorist attacks in the end of 2015.



The Austrian police announced on Saturday (26/12), the intelligence service of a country "friend" warned several European capitals about the possibility of shootings and bombings in the days preceding the New Year. The information led police forces across the continent to strengthen their security measures.

"The names of several potential perpetrators were mentioned. They were checked, but so far the investigation based on these analyzes did not produce concrete results," said the police of Vienna, in a statement. The threat takes on greater significance because six weeks ago 130 people were killed in coordinated attacks in Paris.

"On Christmas Eve a warning was sent to numerous European capitals by an intelligence service 'friend', according to which attacks with explosives or shootings could occur in areas of great agglomeration between Christmas and the New Year."

In the statement, the Austrian police did not reveal which country the intelligence service belongs, but urged citizens understand the need to intensify the security controls in the country.

Additional measures include the monitoring of areas of high concentration, "especially at events and transit centers" as well as intensive controls of identity and the attention to objects that can carry explosives, such as handbags or bicycle frames.

A spokesman for the German Ministry of the Interior said it would not comment on specific situations for "operational reasons". "Germany is still in the sights of jihadist terrorism," he said. However, the country reviewed and adjusted its security measures where it was necessary after the Paris attacks.