Germany arrests suspected plan to attack mall

BERLIN, Dec 23 (ANSA) - Two men suspected of planning an attack on a shopping mall in Oberhausen, western Germany, were detained by police early on Friday (23).

According to the German authorities, the suspects are two brothers, aged 28 and 31, from Kosovo. So far there is no indication that the attack was linked to the truck bombing at a Christmas market in Berlin claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

According to an official source of the Essen police, the authorities are assessing the degree of preparation for the mall attack. However, the security of the site and a Christmas fair near the commercial complex was strengthened.

Based on the initial investigation, the German investigators believe that the "possible attack was not imminent". The two brothers have been detained by police and will remain in custody at least until tomorrow (24).

"Investigators should be able to take time to see if the suspicion that the two brothers wanted to make an attack materializes," said the spokesman, who said the mall will normally open following its traditional operating hours. The mall is considered one of the largest in Germany, with more than 250 stores and extremely sought after by the population during the Christmas season. (ANSA)