Austria Raises Security Alert Level

Austria has announced the elevation of its security alert level due to the ongoing high risks of terrorism, coinciding with the approach of Western Easter celebrations.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated on Saturday that the police would intensively monitor Easter celebrations and markets in the coming days.

He explained that more officers in uniform and plainclothes police officers would monitor Easter markets and fairs, with special forces such as emergency units and drones also participating, despite no specific evidence of a particular threat.

Karner emphasized that the State Security Directorate and intelligence agencies classify the threat level regarding extremism and terrorism as "high."

He noted that Easter celebrations and markets typically witness dense gatherings of people in public places, which is why the Federal Police Directorate is taking exceptional precautionary measures to ensure security for all citizens.

These measures will also be applied again during the Jewish Easter period from April 22 to 30.