Authorities foil planned Christmas market attack in Bavaria

Bavarian security forces have thwarted a planned attack on a Christmas market in Dingolfing, Germany, Caliber.Az reports, citing BILD.

Five men were detained at the German-Austrian border — three Moroccan nationals, an Egyptian, and a Syrian. Investigators believe they intended to drive into market visitors, aiming to “kill or injure as many people as possible.”

According to BILD, the Egyptian played a key role. Known as a preacher, he allegedly called for an attack on a mosque in Dingolfing and is accused of inciting the three Moroccans to commit the terrorist act.

The suspects appeared before a judge yesterday, who authorised their detention, the Munich Prosecutor’s Office said. Sources cited by BILD indicate that the initial tip was received from the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

“This case clearly demonstrates our ability to protect citizens. Thanks to excellent coordination, several suspects were apprehended in a very short time, preventing a potentially Islamist-motivated attack,” said Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.

By Khagan Isayev