Germany faces escalating terrorist threats, warns domestic intelligence chief

The threat of terrorist attacks in Germany has escalated, warns Thomas Haldenwang, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The risk of violence, particularly against Jewish targets within the country, has significantly heightened due to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. According to German authorities, “lone wolves” pose the biggest threat.

"We have noticed Islamists planning serious attacks for a long time, but now, the threat level has heightened and something could happen at any moment," stated Thomas Haldenwang, leading the domestic civil intelligence service.

Without disclosing specific details, Haldenwang mentioned that calls for attacks within Islamist and jihadist circles in Germany have increased in recent weeks, triggered by the war between Hamas and Israel. Tensions sparked on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel, succeeded by substantial Israeli bombings in Gaza, and ensuing Israeli military ground operations.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution asserts an ongoing radicalization among criminals of Islamist origin, who frequently target susceptible 'soft' targets. According to the office, Jews and Jewish institutions are particularly vulnerable.

Thomas Haldenwang announced an elevation in measures against potential extremists.

"Calls for Jihad by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State find exceptionally fertile ground in Germany, especially during Advent," stated the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution's statement. Haldenwang also reported that on Wednesday in Cologne, authorities detained two underage Islamists planning attacks on a synagogue and a Christmas market.