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By Ezekiel David
A terrorist plot targeted at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna was stopped by the CIA
Terrorists intended to target a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna earlier this month, aiming to cause mass casualties using homemade explosives and knives, according to CIA Deputy Director David Cohen.
Cohen revealed that the CIA alerted Austrian authorities about the planned attack, enabling them to prevent a tragedy.
Tens of thousands, including many Americans, were to be killed, according to the attackers, who were allegedly affiliated with the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS). The CIA and its allies provided intelligence that allowed Austrian security forces to capture the suspects before they could carry out their plan.
Speaking at an intelligence summit near Washington, DC, Cohen mentioned that within the CIA, there was a sense of accomplishment, noting, “I can tell you within my agency, and I’m sure in others, there were people who thought that was a really good day for Langley, and not just the Swifties in my workforce.”
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The plot targeted one of three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled in Vienna, part of the European leg of her Eras Tour, set to begin on August 8. The concerts were ultimately cancelled by organisers, Barracuda Music, following the authorities’ warning of the foiled attack.
Austrian authorities detained the primary suspect and his 17-year-old accomplice on August 6. An 18-year-old suspect was also taken into custody two days later.
Up to 65,000 people were anticipated at the musical venue, where the alleged mastermind, a 19-year-old who had self-radicalised online and sworn allegiance to IS, apparently planned to carry out the attack. The intent of the plot was further corroborated by the discovery of technical devices and chemical substances at his apartment by the authorities.
The primary suspect allegedly confessed his objective was to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert,” according to Austrian officials.
(Source: RT)
