Before the Easter celebrations:

The police are also prepared for terror in our country

Police drones will also be deployed.(Bild: (c) Michael Dietrich)

The holidays are just around the corner, but many local police officers will not be on the lookout for Easter eggs, but for people who pose a threat. After the serious attack in Moscow, the police in Upper Austria are also on alert. State Police Directorate Andreas Pilsl announces measures.

"The risk level with regard to Islamist extremism and terrorism is still rated as high by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN), even if there are no specific threats", says State Police Director Andreas Pilsl.

Shortly after the devastating terrorist attack on the "Crocus City" concert hall in Moscow, in which almost 140 deaths have already been reported, the whole of Europe is on alert. As reported, a splinter group of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" claimed responsibility for the attack. At the same time, the Gaza Strip has not been at peace since last October, which is causing great tension between Muslims, Jews and the West all over the world.

Reinforced measures
"We have therefore decided to intensify our measures specifically for the Easter celebrations, Easter markets, Christian festivals and also around the Jewish Passover," said the provincial police director Pilsl in an interview with "Krone".

We have decided to step up our measures for the Easter celebrations, but also for the Jewish Passover.

Landespolizeidirektor Andreas Pilsl

Patrols, special units and police drones
"This means increased patrolling of Easter fairs and Easter markets with uniformed forces and plainclothes officers," said the police chief. Special forces such as the Rapid Intervention Groups (SIG), the riot units and even drones will also be deployed. All forces are optimally networked, and the Cobra special unit is also on alert should the worst happen. Pilsl: "We are well positioned and ready."

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner had also reportedly announced similar measures. Officers were already keeping a close eye on the events yesterday, Palm Sunday. The alert will continue until at least the end of April, as the celebrations surrounding the Jewish Passover festival will last until then.

Kommentar

Freudenfeste nicht nehmen lassen

Terrorism: Cowardly attacks by radical extremists on innocent people with the aim of enforcing distorted political, ideological or religious goals. An attack on an uninvolved crowd also sends a terrible message: it can happen to anyone! The aim is to spread fear, insecurity and terror.

(Bild: Markus Wenzel / Krone Kreativ)

This is precisely why you must not give in, must not be intimidated. The local police are doing everything they can to ensure security. As long as there are no specific warnings, there is nothing to stop you from attending Easter services, Easter markets or Passover celebrations.