The German Minister of the Interior, Dr. Thomas de Maizière, issued a statement on Wednesday 17th November 2010 explaining that the national security threat level had been raised in Germany.
The authorities are expecting an attack in late November owing to sources which were confirmed following the alleged discovery of unexploded air cargo bombs supposedly en route from Yemen to the US.
He said:
“The federal and state security authorities are prepared to deal with this situation. Comprehensive plans were drawn up already last year and will be applied again now. I have therefore ordered the Federal Police to take appropriate security measures, especially at airports and train stations, in view of the current threat situation. This order will remain in effect until further notice. We have coordinated these measures with the states, and I am grateful to my counterparts at state level for taking comparable steps in their areas of responsibility. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the police officers for carrying out these orders.”
“Our measures are intended to prevent and deter terrorist attacks. We will demonstrate strength and will not be intimidated. The public will be able to see these police measures, but there will also be many measures you will not be able to see.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have cause for concern, but no reason for hysteria. We will not allow international terrorism to interfere with our daily lives nor with our democratic way of life. Let us all take this to heart. Be assured that we are working with our international partners to do everything in our power to protect the people of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The US State Department issued a travel alert for Americans visiting Europe on October 3rd 2010.
