Terror threat alert as Austria bolsters police patrols
The British Embassy in Vienna has warned of possible terrorist attacks in Austria. The Ministry of the Interior assures the public that police patrols have been strengthened and is appealing for calm.
The British Embassy in Vienna issued a warning about potential terrorist attacks in Austria. This announcement was published on social media in connection with the upcoming Easter period, during which numerous outdoor events are planned in Austria.
The embassy highlighted, among other incidents, the knife attack in Villach on 25 February, where a Syrian attacker killed one person and injured five others.
Increased police patrols
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior responded to the warning by reminding citizens that the country is currently at the second, orange level of terrorist threat.
The ministry assured the public that no specific signals indicate a threat during the Easter celebrations. Still, it announced increased police patrols, similar to measures taken during the Christmas holidays. The ministry has urged residents and tourists not to panic.
The population does not need to take special measures or change their behaviour. This is the only way we, as a society, can counter the aims of terrorism, as stated in a release for oe24.at.
Appeal for vigilance
The authorities emphasised that terrorism aims to create anxiety and disrupt social life. It was pointed out that terrorists employ psychological violence to alter societal behaviour, for example, by causing people to avoid public places.
Citizens are urged to inform the authorities about suspicious people, packages, or situations.
