Information
The recent attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State group has prompted Italy to raise its security alert level, following France’s lead. Italy’s decision was made during a national security council meeting in Rome, with plans to enhance security measures for upcoming events leading to the Christian Easter holiday. Both countries are intensifying surveillance and checks, particularly focusing on areas of high public gathering and sensitive targets, as stated by Italy’s Interior Ministry. France, having taken similar precautions earlier, cited the plausibility of ISIS-K’s involvement in the Moscow attack, indicating concerns over potential extremist threats as Europe braces for major events like the Paris Olympics and the European Championship in Germany.
Pope Francis’s packed schedule of events in Rome and at the Vatican ahead of Easter Sunday adds to the urgency of security measures in Italy. Meanwhile, in Germany, authorities maintain that while the threat from Islamic extremists remains significant, the risk assessment hasn’t changed in response to the Moscow attack. This incident underscores the renewed attention on extremist risks in Europe, highlighting the continent’s vigilance as it prepares for significant gatherings and celebrations amidst ongoing security concerns.
Source: AP, Reuters
Assessment
While this does show that the Islamic State maintains both the capability and intent (threat) to conduct attacks in Europe; It is likely that this threat is currently lower in Central Europe. Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, security services within the majority of Central European states have likely been on high alert for a significant period now. This focus, while targeted at Russian agents and sympathises, would likely detect Islamic terror cells as well (this can be seen in the numerous arrests in late 2023/early 2024), likely increasing their awareness of any possible attacks and giving them the ability to disrupt them.
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