The UK government has issued a recent warning to its citizens regarding the heightened threat of terrorism in Austria, urging caution as terrorist groups may attempt attacks in the country. The alert, available on the UK government’s website, highlights Austria as a potential target for terrorist activity.
In response, the Austrian Ministry of the Interior has sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that the warning issued by the UK also applies to several other European countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, and Sweden. Importantly, the Austrian authorities have stated that there are no specific threats related to Easter events in Austria, according to reports by Kronen Zeitung.
The warning is particularly severe for Germany and France, where terrorist attacks are described as “not just possible but highly probable.” Despite this, Austrian officials have assured the public that there is no direct threat concerning Easter markets, festivals, or other related events in Austria, as conveyed by albinfo.at.
Austria is currently at the second-highest level of terrorist threat. Following the Hamas attack in Israel, there has been an increased police presence across the country, especially in public spaces, a measure that is expected to remain in place. The Ministry also mentioned that additional police efforts will be in effect during major events, including Easter celebrations and markets.
In response, Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) has criticized the ÖVP government, accusing Interior Minister Gerhard Karner of a “total failure” in handling the situation. FPÖ Secretary-General Michael Schnedlitz argued that the ÖVP’s push for surveillance of messaging services was merely a “placebo measure.”
