anticipation of terrorist acts coinciding with New Year’s Eve

Many Western capitals have strengthened their security measures in anticipation of terrorist acts coinciding with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The municipality of Brussels announced yesterday the abolition of all the celebrations and fireworks displays planned on New Year’s Eve due to threats of attacks.

Moreover, Russian authorities have also decided to close the Red Square in Moscow, the destination of thousands of celebrators each year, in order to avoid terrorist attacks.

In France, which is living on high alert after the assassination of 130 people in coordinated attack on Nov. 13, has decided to deploy 60,000 policemen tonight to protect itself. In addition, Paris cancelled official firework shows and forbid the public from using them. Barricades will be erected in the areas surrounding the Eiffel Tower and the popular Champs-Élysées Street.

In Turkey’s capital, Ankara, authorities have announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of belonging to ISIS and planning a double attack. The police seized suicide vests loaded with bombs believed to have been fortified with ball bearings and metal sticks.

An official Turkish source told the press that the two terrorists were detained in a house raid in the Mamak district on the outskirts of the city.

In the past these capitals would compete for the best fireworks displays, this year they seem to be in competition over the best security arrangement to thwart terrorist acts or attacks that may disturb tourism and safety.