Germany raises terror threat to 'high', warns attacks could happen at any time

Germany has raised its national terror threat level from "abstract" to "high" after intelligence agencies detected an increase in potential attack plans, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said.

The move comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government prepares to expand the powers of the country's intelligence services.

Germany upgrades terror threat level

Speaking to the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Dobrindt said the revised assessment was based on a growing volume of intelligence indicating possible terrorist threats.

"The increased volume of reports and intelligence has prompted me to raise the previously defined abstract threat level to a high threat level," he said.

"This means Germany must expect the risk of terrorist attacks at any time," he added.

According to Reuters, Dobrindt said authorities could clearly identify plans for attacks against Germany, warning that the threats were aimed not only at critical infrastructure but also at individuals and public institutions.

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Intelligence agencies may get wider powers

The announcement comes ahead of a Cabinet meeting on August 13, where the government is expected to consider sweeping reforms to Germany's intelligence laws, according to DW.

The proposed legislation would allow intelligence agencies to take direct action in certain high-risk situations, rather than limiting their role to gathering and analysing information.

"My goal is to develop the intelligence services into genuine secret services so that we remain competitive and capable of working as partners with friendly services abroad," Dobrindt said.

Under the proposed changes, domestic intelligence officers could be authorised to enter and search homes during urgent terrorism situations if police are unable to respond in time. Dobrindt, however, emphasised that arrest powers would remain with law enforcement.

"Arresting people remains the responsibility of the police," he said.

Recent attacks fuel security concerns

Germany has witnessed several deadly attacks in recent years, intensifying concerns over national security.

Last month, a Saudi doctor was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing six people and injuring hundreds after driving a rented BMW into crowds at a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg in December 2024.

In another case, a German court last year convicted a Syrian national over an Islamic State-inspired stabbing attack at a festival in the western city of Solingen in 2024 that killed three people and injured 10 others.