Terror Alert: Christmas and New Year's Eve Under Threat By the 'Most Dangerous' Terrorist Organization Sending Jihadis to Europe Disguised as 'War Refugees' (Video)

Cologne: In a striking development, law enforcement agencies in Austria, Germany, and Spain have intercepted intelligence about potential attacks by a Muslim terror cell during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. These attacks targeted significant locations, including Christmas church services in major cities such as Cologne, Vienna, and Madrid. Early reports reveal that the arrested suspects, believed to be from Tajikistan and linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK), infiltrated Europe under the guise of refugees, echoing longstanding concerns raised by security experts.

The intelligence specifically highlighted a potential Islamic threat in Cologne, with a primary focus on New Year’s Eve. Despite this, the broader alert for the holiday season also prompted authorities to remain vigilant during the Christmas period. BILD reports confirm that early arrests were carried out by special forces in Vienna, complemented by additional apprehensions in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral under Tight Security: Sniffer Dogs Deployed

The Cologne Cathedral underwent a thorough search on Saturday evening involving deploying explosive-detection dogs. This measure ensured no dangerous devices were already placed within the church premises. “Due to a threat to the Cologne Cathedral, special protection measures will be implemented starting this evening,” stated a spokesperson for the Cologne Police.

In light of the threat, Cologne’s Chief of Criminal Police, Michael Esser, who was overseeing the operation, announced stringent security measures. “Though the tip-off specifically mentioned New Year’s Eve, we are initiating comprehensive security protocols for the safety of the Cathedral visitors this Christmas Eve,” he explained. The Cathedral was to be thoroughly inspected post-evening mass and sealed, with all visitors subjected to checks before entry.

Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral also a Target; Armed Controls Announced

Similarly, Vienna declared the renowned St. Stephen’s Cathedral at risk. The Vienna Police have announced entry checks to be performed by officers armed with submachine guns. “These precautionary actions are to maintain public safety in Austria. There will be increased police presence, with plainclothes and uniformed officers equipped with advanced gear and long guns,” they said, focusing on churches and Christmas markets.

Suspects Reportedly Linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK)

The arrested suspects are believed to be from Tajikistan, intending to execute the plot for the ISPK, a branch of the Islamic State in Afghanistan. This group is considered the most dangerous terrorist organization currently by intelligence agencies, known for sending terrorists to Europe.

This past summer, the German counter-terrorism unit GSG9 dismantled a seven-member Tajik cell, aged between 20 and 46, linked to the ISPK, operating in Germany and the Netherlands. This cell was in the advanced stages of planning a significant Islamic terrorist attack, having already conducted surveillance on potential targets. Investigations by the Federal Criminal Police Office revealed that these jihadis had entered Germany from Ukraine through Poland, masquerading as war refugees using falsified documents.

Historical Warnings About ISPK’s Threat

The recent arrests linked to ISPK and their planned activities underscore warnings that experts like Clare Lopez, a national security expert, have long been voicing. In her October 2021 interview with RAIR Foundation USA and in her article “Understanding the Threat: What is the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) & Why it Matters,” Lopez emphasized the urgency for the West, particularly the U.S., to focus on the growing threat posed by ISPK. Her warnings, based on the group’s history and activities in Afghanistan, have highlighted ISPK’s global ambitions and its potential to exploit regional instability.

Lopez pointed out that the ideological alignment among groups like Al-Qa’eda, IS-KP, and the Taliban, despite occasional internal conflicts, presents a unified front in their commitment to establishing an Islamic state. This aligns with the recent activities of the ISPK cell in Europe, indicating a continuation of their long-term objectives. Her insights from 2021 about the group’s connections, operational tactics, and ideological foundations now appear prophetic in the context of the current situation in Cologne and other European cities.

Public Advisory: Enhanced Security and Precautions

The police and Cathedral Chapter in Cologne advises attendees to avoid carrying bags and to arrive early for the services. A similar advisory has been issued in Austria, where visitors to events and services are recommended to carry photo identification and allocate extra time for security checks.

Reevaluating Europe’s Immigration and Border Policies in the Wake of Terrorism

The recent Islamic terror threats targeting Christians and their Christmas celebrations in Europe not only underscore the ongoing security challenges but also bring into sharp focus the broader implications of Europe’s immigration policies, particularly concerning mass Islamic immigration. Incidents like these have intensified debates over the effectiveness and risks of the current open-border approach, with increasing concerns about how such policies facilitate the entry of Islamic terrorists into European countries.

This growing unease is mirrored in the public sentiment across the continent, where large segments of the population are expressing frustration and anger over extremely lenient immigration policies adopted by various left-wing governments.