Austria: Islamic State issues threats of jihadist attacks at traditional Viennese balls

Image: Jihad Watch

According to Austrian police, the traditional Viennese balls are currently under threat from the terrorist group Islamic State. As a result, enhanced security measures have been implemented for several events.

This year, the Viennese ball season, which runs until the end of February and draws thousands of visitors from around the world to the city's grandest venues, is under heightened protection. The police confirmed that the Islamic State, which frequently posts online calls for attacks on major events in the U.S. and Europe, specifically mentioned Vienna and its ball season.

The season, which began on November 11th, features notable events such as the Confectioners' Ball at Hofburg Palace (January 16th), the Vienna Philharmonic Ball at the Musikverein (held on January 23rd), and the prestigious Vienna Opera Ball (scheduled for February 27th).

For this 67th edition of the Vienna Opera Ball, two stars of the opera world, American soprano Nadine Sierra and Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, will perform, joined by the Vienna State Orchestra.

The evening will also showcase students from the Staatsoper's dance academy, who will present a new creation by the academy's director and choreographer, Martin Schläpfer.

As in the previous two years, the 2025 Vienna Opera Ball will emphasize social responsibility and solidarity, with a portion of ticket and drink sales supporting the "Österreich hilft Österreich" (Austria helps Austria) initiative, which funds various national charities.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)