Five Arrested in Germany Over Alleged Christmas Market Attack Plot
German authorities have detained five men suspected of involvement in a plan to conduct a vehicle attack at a Christmas market. The arrests took place on Friday.
Detainees and Allegations
The individuals taken into custody include three Moroccan nationals, one Egyptian national, and one Syrian national. The detentions occurred in the southern German state of Bavaria.
Prosecutors have detailed the accusations against the detainees:
- The 56-year-old Egyptian national is alleged to have advocated for a vehicle attack, with the stated aim of causing fatalities or injuries to multiple individuals.
- The Moroccan nationals are alleged to have agreed to execute this attack.
Authorities have indicated that an "Islamist motive" is suspected in connection with the alleged plot.
Context of Heightened Alert
These arrests occur amid a heightened state of vigilance among German officials. This follows previous incidents targeting Christmas markets in the country, including an event in Magdeburg last December that resulted in six fatalities.