The recent attack plans on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna have highlighted the ongoing threat from ISIS in Europe. Terrorism and Islamism researcher Guido Steinberg explains that the ISIS in Afghanistan is increasingly targeting Western European countries like Germany.
This has led to a need for significantly strengthening security at major events, such as concerts, in order to ensure safety. Concerts are particularly appealing to Islamists due to their symbolic representation of cultural corruption and the potential for a high number of casualties.
Germany and Europe as a whole must consider developing their own capabilities in monitoring and preventing attacks, as they are currently highly dependent on the USA for intelligence. The recent cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to a terrorist threat is a stark reminder of the mass attacks carried out by Islamists in Paris and Manchester.
The growing threat from ISIS in Afghanistan is a cause for concern, as there has been an increase in individuals considering or willing to carry out attacks for the organization. It is crucial for the government to respond to the changing security situation by increasing personnel and powers for security forces, as well as implementing stricter security measures at major events to ensure public safety.
