Austrian counter-terrorism operation thwarts attack on Taylor Swift show

Austrian police thwart potential ISIS attack during concert Taylor Swift In Vienna, Austria. The terrorist plot revealed by the Austrian media Kronen Zeitung includes specific preparations for an attack during the concerts scheduled to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium from August 8 to 10, 2024. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the plot.

Franz Ruff, head of the Austrian General Security Office, confirmed at a press conference that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested in Ternitz, about 65 kilometers southwest of Vienna, and another person was also arrested in the capital. According to Ruff, “The suspects were mainly focused on Taylor Swift’s concert. Preparations were discovered,” he told newspaper Austrian.

The young man arrested in Ternitz was radicalized via the Internet and “pledged allegiance to the Islamic State” in July. Several chemical substances were found at his residence and are still being evaluated. Arrested targeting Swift concert At the Ernst Happel Stadium, the artist planned to perform three consecutive sold-out evenings.

The anti-terrorist operation began in Ternitz on Wednesday morning and lasted for several hours, during which the nursing home and other nearby buildings were evacuated and barricades were set up, Austrian news agency APA reported.

"A specific threat has been averted," Roof said, adding that authorities have not yet declared the concert completely safe and are still investigating other possible accomplices. According to CNN, security measures have been increased at Taylor Swift’s concert, with a special emphasis on access control and personnel checks.

Vienna State Police Chief Gerhard Purster detailed that special forces will be deployed, including plainclothes officers, dog units and the involvement of Cobra, Austria’s main tactical unit for counter-terrorism special operations.

In view of the high crowds expected, with 65,000 spectators per day and an additional 15,000 to 20,000 spectators near the stadium, stricter controls will be implemented at the entrances, which may cause delays for spectators.

“Vienna police will take all necessary measures To ensure the safety of the event,” Pulster concluded, noting that although the specific threat had been minimized, security forces remained on alert.