As Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear, Swedish authorities are working diligently to ensure public safety in the face of heightened terror threats. Since August 17, Sweden’s terror threat level has been at level four, the second highest level, and according to Fredrik Hultgren-Friberg, press communicator at the Security Police, the situation has not improved in recent months.
Despite the elevated threat level, an unusually large number of Swedes are gathering in the streets and squares to partake in the festive Christmas atmosphere. In light of the situation, Police Chief Michael Fetz is urging people to live their lives as usual but to remain vigilant. The public is advised to be aware of their surroundings and contact the authorities if anything seems out of the ordinary.
The police have increased staffing, availability, and preparedness with heavily armed officers patrolling the streets, carrying high-powered weapons. However, according to the authorities, there is no concrete threat that justifies the visible presence of heavily armed police during the Christmas shopping season.
Fredrik Hultgren-Friberg highlighted the seriousness of the situation, citing disinformation campaigns that target Sweden as an anti-Muslim country, creating reactions within violent Islamist circles. The threat is considered to be general, and although the likelihood of an individual falling victim to a terrorist attack is very small, the risk to society as a whole is high.
The police stress that individuals should flee, seek shelter, and contact the authorities in the event of a terrorist attack. The terror threat level serves as a signal to relevant authorities to take necessary measures to reduce the risk of an attack occurring.
The security measures put in place are a testament to the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety of the public during the holiday season, and despite the dark cloud of an elevated terror threat, Swedes are determined to continue their Christmas traditions.