The world welcomes Christmas 2017 in tight security

Never before has the threat of terrorism hung over the Christmas atmosphere like this year, with security tightened around the world.

In the bustling Christmas atmosphere, people shop and decorate their houses to prepare for the holiday, somewhere there are still worries about traffic jams for hours, harsh weather and especially the fear of terrorism. That is why during Christmas and New Year 2018, countries around the world are trying to tighten security in the hope of bringing a peaceful and warm holiday to the people.

Indonesia deploys 180,000 security personnel

Indonesia deploys 180,000 security personnel to ensure safety on Christmas Day. EPA.

Indonesian authorities announced on December 22 that they would deploy around 180,000 security personnel ahead of Christmas and New Year. The announcement came after the country arrested 13 suspected rebels, many of whom had links to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), earlier this month.

Police said that although no terrorist threats have been detected at this time, the government will tighten security at churches and public areas from December 22, 2017 to January 2, 2018. In addition to security personnel, about 70,000 personnel from state agencies and social organizations will also participate in supporting security during this holiday.

Germany evacuates Christmas market over suspected explosives

One of the Christmas markets in Germany.

On the evening of December 22, German authorities evacuated a section of the Christmas market in the city of Bonn after a suspicious package was found. Earlier in December, part of the Christmas market in Potsdam, near Berlin, was evacuated after a package containing firecrackers, wire and nails was found headed to a nearby pharmacy.

High alert in Pakistan

Pakistani authorities plan to deploy 3,000 security personnel to guard 39 churches.

On December 17, two suicide bombers attacked a church in the Pakistani city of Quetta, Baluchistan, killing 10 people and wounding 56. Authorities immediately planned to deploy 3,000 security personnel to guard 39 churches on December 24 and 25. Volunteers were also trained in search techniques and identification of suspected terrorists.

In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, churches are equipped with security cameras for surveillance. The Easter bombing there in 2016 killed more than 70 people.

Regular patrols in Egypt

Egyptian soldiers.

Similar to Pakistan, Egypt is also on high alert in tightening security during the holiday. On December 19, the Egyptian Interior Ministry announced that it would deploy 230,000 security personnel to protect 2,626 Christian churches nationwide during the Christmas holiday this year. Egyptian police will tighten security at public parks, important facilities and tourist spots across the country.

In Cairo, police patrolled the streets around the cathedral until January 7, 2018, Christmas Day in places that use the Coptic calendar. At the Heliopolis Basilica in northeast Cairo, security forces were also equipped with metal detectors at the main entrance. Police vehicles will also be stationed outside the cathedral throughout December 25.

In addition, Egyptian police will also increase forces to ensure security at public parks, important facilities and tourist attractions across the country.

Security beefed up in Malaysia

Malaysian police increase patrols before and during Christmas festivities.

Concerned about terrorist threats from within and outside the region, Malaysia has stepped up patrols and surveillance during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Police are monitoring public areas and religious places.

“There are certain areas that have been beefed up security and all necessary preparations will be made,” said Inspector-General of Police of Malaysia, Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

Raising awareness in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the police are also on the highest alert. They are always on high alert and ready to fight if something bad happens. According to the country's military, people in the northeast region should be on guard against suicide attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram during the holiday.

According to Kienthuc.net.vn