Germany and Austria increase surveillance measures for fear of attacks

Four people arrested in Austria for their alleged links to an Islamist network

COLONIA, Dec. 24 (DPA/EP) -

In recent hours, the authorities of Germany and Austria have increased their surveillance measures amid suspicions of possible attacks coinciding with Christmas, after movements have been detected that would point to potential attacks on religious buildings in Cologne and Vienna.

In the case of Cologne, the Police have searched the cathedral with dogs trained to search for explosives before the services scheduled for Christmas, according to sources from the security services cited by the DPA agency. It also plans to register all the faithful and visitors who want to access the temple.

The fear of possible terrorist activities, linked in principle to the Islamic State Khorasan Province - the group's affiliate in Afghanistan - also extends to Vienna, where the Police have confirmed a greater deployment of armed police and also officers in civilian clothes .

"The attention of the Police will focus mainly on churches and religious events (...) and on Christmas markets," indicated the authorities, who recalled that the anti-terrorist alert remains high and, therefore, this already implies a minimum security measures and controls.

The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has confirmed the arrest of four people suspected of having links with an Islamist network, although they have avoided giving details of this operation, in which the Intelligence services have collaborated.