Prague police on high alert due to terror threat; suspect detained

Czech police have detained a South American man suspected of a serious crime in connection with a terrorism threat. Preventive security measures were implemented late Saturday night in public spaces, shopping centers, and transportation hubs across Prague due to the potential risk of a terrorist act. More information will be provided following a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday.

"Thanks to public assistance, criminal investigators from the Department of Extremism and Terrorism managed to track down and arrest a man suspected of a particularly serious crime," the police announced Sunday morning on social media.

"We are cooperating with other security forces on the case, and in Prague we have taken preventive measures to ensure security due to the possible threat of an attack on the infrastructure. We will provide more information to the public after the meeting of the National Security Council."

Late Saturday night, iDnes.cz reported that all police officers in Prague were placed on terror alert due to threats against infrastructure. Officers were instructed to pay particular attention to suspicious individuals, especially around bus and train stations.

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan confirmed the heightened alert, although he stressed that there was no direct information about a specific threat at the time.

"I can confirm that the police are currently taking precautionary security measures. However, there is no increased risk for people in the Czech Republic, and the police have no information about an immediate threat. Police will release more information as soon as possible," Rakušan told iDnes.cz late Saturday evening.

The Interior Minister later confirmed on social media this morning that the police are investigating a case linked to foreign attacks, and the suspect has been detained. More details will be disclosed after the National Security Council meeting on Monday.

Sources within the police have advised officers to focus their efforts on shopping centers, public transportation depots, and railway stations. Officers have been instructed to be vigilant for any unusual activities and behaviors in these areas.

The last increase in security measures occurred over a month ago, on April 30, when the Interior Ministry announced additional police deployment due to the ice hockey championship in Prague and Ostrava. At that time, the ministry recommended a nationwide increase in police patrols.