World
C.I.A. Aids Austria in Thwarting Terror Attack at Taylor Swift Concert
Discover how the C.I.A. played a crucial role in preventing a terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Austria. This article delves into the details of the operation, the threats faced, and the collaboration between agencies to ensure public safety.
Thwarted Terror Plot at Taylor Swift Concert in Vienna
The Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) played a crucial role in aiding Austrian authorities to prevent a potential massacre that could have claimed the lives of thousands at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna earlier this month. This revelation was made by David S. Cohen, the deputy director of the C.I.A., during a speech at the annual Intelligence Summit held just outside Washington, D.C.
According to Mr. Cohen, the agency provided vital intelligence concerning four individuals linked to the Islamic State who were allegedly planning a catastrophic attack. Some of those apprehended were reportedly in possession of bomb-making materials and had secured access to the concert venue, where several performances were scheduled shortly after their arrests.
“They were plotting to kill a huge number, tens of thousands of people at this concert, and I am sure many Americans would have been among them,” stated Mr. Cohen. He emphasized that the successful arrests made by Austrian authorities were a direct result of the information shared by the C.I.A. and its partners in the intelligence community regarding the intentions of this ISIS-connected group.
On August 7, Austrian law enforcement arrested two individuals suspected of orchestrating a terror attack, with additional arrests following in the days that ensued. Officials in Austria revealed that one of the suspects, a 19-year-old Austrian national, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and had specifically targeted Ms. Swift’s tour for his nefarious plans.
Mr. Cohen expressed unambiguous certainty that the individuals aimed to attack the Eras Tour concert, intending to inflict severe casualties among attendees. However, he did not disclose the methods through which the C.I.A. obtained information about the impending attack.
In the past, intelligence agencies have alerted countries about potential terrorist threats. Earlier this year, U.S. officials had warned both Iranian and Russian authorities about threats from the Islamic State’s affiliate based in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-Khorasan. These warnings pertained to planned attacks targeting events—a memorial service in Iran and a concert in Moscow—yet, unfortunately, neither nation was able to prevent those assaults.