Austrian authorities have successfully disrupted a suspected ISIS plot targeting Taylor Swift's upcoming concerts in Vienna. The highly anticipated events are scheduled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, drawing thousands of fans from across the region.
Details of the Investigation
An intense investigation led by Austrian security services culminated in a large-scale police operation in the town of Ternitz, a small community with a population of 15,000. According to Fox News, two men were arrested as part of the operation, which authorities believe foiled the potential attack just in time:
Investigators believe one of the suspects had become radicalized online and had sworn an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), Der Standard reported.
At a press conference Wednesday evening, General Director of Public Security Franz Ruf, joined by Vienna State Police President Gerhard Pürstl, reportedly confirmed a 19-year-old “Austrian citizen” was arrested in Ternitz in the morning, while a second man was arrested in Vienna in the afternoon.
Kronen Zeitung, another Austrian newspaper, described one of the suspects as an Austrian with North Macedonian roots who lived with his family in Ternitz.
The report said the two men carried out “specific preparatory actions for a terrorist attack” and the 19-year-old specifically was aiming to target the Taylor Swift concerts.
Special forces conducted a meticulous search of one suspect's residence, dedicating several hours to the process. Technicians were called in to analyze chemical substances discovered at the location, raising alarms about the potential scale and seriousness of the planned attack.
In response to the findings, several nearby houses and a retirement home were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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The religion of peace at it again.
Sure makes for FREE PR, doesn’t it?