The alleged plot: 5 arrested in Islamist-motivated plot to attack Christmas market

The alleged plot follows heightened security concerns surrounding Germany’s Christmas markets, which have been frequent targets of vehicle attacks in recent years.

On Dec. 20 last year, six people were killed and more than 300 were injured after an SUV plowed through a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The accused, a 51-year-old Saudi doctor named Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, admitted to driving the vehicle into the crowd. He is currently on trial and has expressed extremist views and conspiracy beliefs.

In 2016, a Tunisian man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State killed 12 people and injured 56 more by driving a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin. Authorities later acknowledged intelligence failures in the lead-up to that attack.

German security agencies have since tightened surveillance and enforcement during the winter season, as cities across the country host Christmas markets that draw heavy foot traffic. The popular events typically feature stalls selling gifts, food and seasonal drinks, making them vulnerable to mass-casualty attacks.

In response to rising threats, several cities have considered canceling or scaling back their holiday markets due to the cost and complexity of maintaining adequate security.