No explosives were found during the search of the Cologne Cathedral on Saturday evening. German police said the sniffer dogs had discovered nothing. She had previously received information about a possible attack plan by an Islamist group (see video above).
As reported, Cologne Cathedral, “a church in Vienna” – possibly St. Stephen’s Cathedral – and church services in Madrid are said to be in the Islamists’ sights. A terrorist cell may want to commit several attacks in Europe at Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
In Cologne, the police searched the cathedral on Saturday evening. This should ensure that there are no dangerous objects in the building. “Even if the referral concerns New Year’s Eve, we will take everything into account tonight to ensure the safety of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve. In consultation with the security officer of the cathedral chapter, the cathedral will be searched with sniffer dogs after evening mass and then closed (…),” said police chief Michael Esser.
The operation he led lasted several hours. Finally the signal was given: the police and their dogs discovered no explosives. They said they would not comment on details because of the ongoing investigation.
Checks of all visitors
It was also announced that all visitors would be checked on Sunday before the Christmas service. The police and the cathedral chapter therefore advised people not to carry bags and to come to mass early.
According to information from “Bild”, the first arrests have already been made. These are terrorist suspects from Tajikistan who are part of the group “Islamic State in Khorasan Province” (ISPK), an offshoot of IS in Afghanistan.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
