Germany and Austria intensify anti-terrorism measures amid growing security concerns

BERLIN / VIENNA — Germany and Austria have introduced a series of measures to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts following several recent security breaches.

In Germany, the state of Brandenburg has banned the Islamic Center Association in the city of Fürstenwalde. The Ministry of Interior stated that the association promotes views hostile to inter-community understanding and the constitutional system. The organization is reportedly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, which are classified as terrorist organizations by Germany, the European Union, the United States, and other countries.

The ban was enforced by police, and authorities are currently searching the association’s offices in Fürstenwalde, as well as several private residences in Brandenburg.

In Austria, security forces launched raids against 72 suspected Islamist extremists on the 23rd anniversary of the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The Austrian State Security and Intelligence Directorate noted that the 9/11 attacks remain a potent symbol for extremists, and that the risk of terrorism persists globally on such anniversaries.

These operations follow a recent foiled attack on Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna, which were subsequently canceled.