Belgium Charges 10th Suspect in Probe of Paris Terror Attacks

In New York City, where one million people pack into Times Square every year, officials said 6,000 officers, some in plain clothes, would be on hand to watch over celebrations. Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said crisis analysts determined it would not be possible to adequately screen tens of thousands of people viewing a fireworks show. “Operations are under way…it was felt best not to take any risk”.

Fireworks fill the sky of downtown Jakarta during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year on January 1, 2016.

And simply half an hour earlier than the celebrations started in Germany, police evacuated two stations within the southern metropolis of Munich after receiving “dependable info” a few plot to hold out a suicide assault at midnight by Islamic State jihadists.

Authorities say the apparent plots to target New Year celebrations are not related to the suspected network behind the Paris attacks.

The city’s main fireworks display has been cancelled over the feared plot.

“We do feel safe”. This year is no different. “I think we should stand up and just make everything happen”, Ken Kinsella agreed.

Across Europe, the deadliest year of militant attacks since 2004 has compounded a mood of worry and uncertainty.

The pair, who had explosives in their homes, were arrested Wednesday while they scouting for potential attack locations in the capital, the Ankara governorship said.

The world is ringing in the New Year among heightened fears of terror attacks that have led to some displays being canceled, while NY officials say their security measures will ensure safe surroundings while the ball drops.

Many Europeans will still be out to party, of course, but under a much tighter than usual security presence.

Ken March, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation said: “All firearms officers will be on duty”.

In an unprecedented move the Met Police has reportedly cancelled all leave for firearms officers in London, while telling revellers to carry on as normal.

In France, more than 100,000 police were deployed to guard celebrations, as defiant Parisians turned out on the Champs Elysees to greet 2016 in the biggest public gatherings since the 13 November attacks.

Security has been tightened for the customary open air concert at the Circus Maximus in Rome. Emanuel Lutchman, 25, attempted to “provide material support [to ISIS], he planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization”, Assistant Attorney General John Carlin said.

Belgian police were holding five people over an alleged New Year attack plot in Brussels, as well as arresting a 10th suspect over the Paris attacks. He is one of nine who have been detained as part of that investigation.

Berliners will do better with about a million expected at the Brandenburg Gate for a free mega-street party.

“Don’t let events from around the world challenge the way that we live”, he said.