Terror threat

Authorities say they are taking the threat of possible terrorist violence before the fall elections seriously, although a spokesman for the current chair of the German interior minister's conferences said there is "no concrete evidence of a terrorist plot at present."

Still, Deputy Interior Minister August Hanning indicated last week that terrorists could use attacks to try to force Germany to pull its forces out of Afghanistan, where they are engaged in peacekeeping operations.

According to the Spiegel Online site, the package of measures resembles stepped-up security that was put into place before the Soccer World Cup that Germany hosted in 2006.

Airports and borders

For example, police will increase efforts at airports and borders to intercept people returning from stays in terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan. At the same time, outbound journeys of those suspected of having been recruited by terror organizations will be closely examined and perhaps stopped.

Authorities are also planning to visit some 140 Islamists who are suspected of inciting violence, and to examine their activities closely. Investigators will look for clues at several schools and universities as to whether Muslim groups are showing signs of radicalization.

Despite the new precautions, Hanning warned against being alarmist.

He said security authorities had been able to prevent six attacks on German soil since 2000.

jam/dpa/AP

Editor: Nathan Witkop