An "absolutely high" threat level has been declared at Christmas markets in Germany

German Interior Minister Nancy Feather urged Germans to be as vigilant as possible when visiting Christmas markets in Germany.

The Interior Minister said:

"The security authorities have not noticed any concrete signs of a threat at this time, but given the abstractly high level of threat, we still have reasons to remain vigilant and act consistently to ensure our safety."

Among other things, the minister mentioned the extended ban on carrying knives at Christmas markets. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution also confirmed that the threat level remains high.

"Germany continues to be a direct target of various terrorist organizations, in particular the Islamic State. Christmas markets are an ideologically suitable target for Islamist-minded people because of the symbolism of Christian values and the embodiment of Western culture and lifestyle," the special service said in a statement.

EADaily reminds that in early November, a 17-year-old boy was detained who planned to repeat the terrorist attack in Berlin on Christmas 2016.