Germany Foils Terrorist Attack Targeting Christmas Market

German authorities announced the arrest of five men suspected of planning a terrorist attack on a Christmas market, in which a car was intended to be used to run over as many people as possible. 

The arrests come amid heightened security concerns following last year’s deadly attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, which killed six people and injured hundreds.

According to Spain’s 20 Minutos newspaper, the suspects remain in custody. 

Joachim Herrmann, Bavaria’s Interior Minister, praised the excellent cooperation among security agencies that led to thwarting the potential terrorist attack.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific target, nor detailed how the plot was planned or which market was intended. In response to growing threats and rising security costs, several German cities have suspended Christmas market celebrations. 

However, the Magdeburg market was allowed to open after receiving last-minute approval.

Security at Christmas markets across Germany has become a top priority following several similar incidents, including the December 20, 2024 attack in Magdeburg that left six dead and more than 300 injured, as well as the 2016 Berlin attack carried out by a Tunisian asylum seeker linked to ISIS, which killed 12 people and wounded 56 others.