Information
Polish authorities announced the arrest of a 19-year-old university student suspected of planning a terrorist attack on a Christmas market and attempting to establish contact with the so-called Islamic State. According to Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesman for Poland’s special services, the suspect intended to use explosives in an attack that could have caused mass casualties. The student, who attended the Catholic University in Lublin, was detained in November at his apartment, where investigators seized data storage devices and items related to Islam. He was charged with preparing a terrorist attack that could have resulted in deaths or serious injuries, and a court ordered his detention for three months.
Dobrzynski declined to identify the targeted city to avoid causing panic and urged continued vigilance, noting similarities to previous cases. He referenced the June arrest of three young men accused of planning attacks in Poland, as well as recent and past attacks around Christmas in Europe and abroad, including an incident in Sydney. He also pointed to German authorities’ announcement of five arrests linked to an alleged plot against a Christmas market in Bavaria, underscoring heightened security concerns during the holiday season.
Source: dpa, Reuters
So What
While there has been a significant number of arrests, it is unlikely that this is a dramatic increase from previous years. Sadly, radical Islamist groups often see Christmas as a prime target for attack, attempting to drive a wedge between moderate muslims and the Western world. Regardless, following the attack in Sydney, it is almost certain that most Western countries are looking to up their collection plans and heighten vigilance during the holiday period.
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