Germany’s top security official said Tuesday that authorities have stepped up precautions against possible terrorist attacks timed to coincide with the outbreak of war in Iraq, but have no evidence any such attacks were being planned. Interior Minister Otto Schily said Iraqi exiles with links to Baghdad are among groups under observation by German authorities, but he said al-Qaida cells pose a bigger threat. Germany had no evidence of any links between the Iraqi government and al-Qaida, he said. “Certain groups have the potential (for attacks), which could emerge with the start of hostilities,” Schily said, without elaborating. With U.S., Israeli and British installations in Germany were being afforded particular protection, Schily expressed concern that terrorists could seek so-called “soft targets” to inflict civilian casualties. “We’re observing the situation with heightened attention,” Schily said. Still, he said there was no evidence that extremists were preparing attacks here. Full Story
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