Vienna is on 'high alert' ahead of the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest amid fears that the event presents a prime target for terrorists. Hundreds of security personnel and sniffer dogs have been deployed to create a ring of steel across the Austrian capital, which is hosting the competition's 70th anniversary ceremony. The event includes two semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday, leading up to Saturday's grand finale. A 'lockdown phase' has been enacted around the Stadthalle, where the competition is being held.
Expert Warns of Multiple Threats
Dr. Nicolas Stockhammer, a counter-terror expert at Danube University Krems, claimed that ISIS-inspired terrorists, Iran and its proxies, and 'sleeper cells' pose the greatest terror threat. 'This kind of massive event takes all necessary preparations on site immediately, but also in preventing any potential terrorist plots,' he told The Sun. 'This requires international cooperation with intelligence services and law enforcement bodies, which is happening.'
Public Viewing Zones at Risk
Dr. Stockhammer highlighted that one major threat is potential attacks in public viewing zones, which are much more difficult to secure than the stadium site. 'Austrian authorities have learned from the three Taylor Swift concerts that had to be cancelled in 2024 due to a terrorism plot by Islamic State followers,' he said. The academic claimed Austrian police would have had 'very serious threat awareness' when planning how to safely host the competition.
Likely Attack Scenarios
The 'most likely' scenario for a terror attack may include a low-sophistication attack involving a car rampage or stabbing spree. An attack involving a bomb is a 'possibility' but not as likely, he added. The perceived terror threat across Europe has increased amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East between Iran, its neighbours, and the United States. The Islamic Republic is well versed in using proxies to carry out terror attacks abroad, giving it plausible deniability. At the same time, ISIS has been growing in strength, posing an increased security threat to European nations.
Iranian Dormant Cells
Kuperwasser, a former head of the Research Division at the Israel Defense Forces' Intelligence Corps, previously told Metro that the Iranian regime has supporters around the world. 'The regime has dormant cells that could try and carry out terror attacks,' he said. 'These cells are around the globe for such an eventuality, and they are probably working to wake them up now.' These attacks and other steps will be aimed at destabilising and charging a price for those responsible for what happened to Khamenei. The former general, who heads the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said these dormant cells are in place 'in the United States and elsewhere' where there are dissident Iranian communities.
German Lawmaker Joins Warnings
These warnings were joined by a German lawmaker who oversees the country's parliamentary intelligence committee. Marc Henrichmann told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung paper: 'The Iranian regime has repeatedly demonstrated in the past that it carries out its terror beyond its own borders.'
Eurovision organisers have not commented on the specific threats but have assured that all necessary security measures are in place. The event is expected to proceed as scheduled, with heightened vigilance.
