Merkel was warned of the risk of Christmas massacre

(Baonghean.vn) - German authorities were warned about terrorists planning attacks on Christmas markets - just weeks before the horrific attack on the night of December 19 in Berlin.

At least nine people were killed in the Berlin terrorist attack. Photo: Getty.

At least nine people have died after a truck crashed into a festival market in the German capital, and more than 50 others were injured.

Last month, US counterterrorism experts warned European countries of an “increased risk of terrorist attacks” at Christmas-themed events.

The US State Department said it had “credible information” that jihadists were planning attacks on the continent during the festive season.

European intelligence agencies also see a threat of possible attacks across the continent in the run-up to Christmas.

The UK Foreign Office has advised visitors to Germany to “remain vigilant” at “Christmas markets and other large events that may attract crowds”.

And just last week, a 12-year-old boy was arrested by German police for allegedly plotting a bomb attack on a Christmas market in Ludwigshafen. The German-Iraqi teenager was allegedly acting on behalf of the Islamic State (IS). “This is a shocking incident, and I think the appropriate response is a thorough investigation,” said a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, no formal proceedings have been initiated because the boy is not yet old enough to be held criminally responsible.

The US State Department also recently warned about attacks on Christmas markets. Photo: Getty.

Recently, speaking to the Mirror, a source from British security forces also said that festival markets and shopping malls could be in the sights of IS gunmen.

“The whole continent could be hit by attacks like we have seen in France, Germany and Belgium, but especially in the run-up to Christmas,” the source said.

“This is a Christian festival, attracting a large crowd, becoming a target for bad guys.”

The latest incident took place at a market outside the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and police said they had arrested the suspected truck driver near the scene.

Emma Rushton, a British citizen who was at the market, said the truck had passed her and insisted it could not have been an accident. “It was not an accident,” she said. “The truck was going over 60mph, right in the middle of the market. There was no way it could have lost control and there was no sign of slowing down.”

Phu Binh

(According to Express)