Germany: Police operation reported in Friedrichshain area of Berlin Feb. 16

Event

Police have launched an operation in the Friedrichshain area of Berlin Feb. 16 after an alarm was triggered in the job center building on Landsberger Allee. The alarm, which employees can activate if they feel threatened, was triggered at approximately 14:40. Police have stated that they did not immediately find anything abnormal at the site; a technical malfunction may be the cause of the alarm.

Authorities have cordoned off the affected area and closed Landsberger Allee between Danziger Strasse and Matthiasstrasse. Officials have diverted the M5, M6, and M8 tram lines between Mollstrasse/Otto-Braun-Strasse and Landsberger Allee/Petersburger Strasse; other public transport services normally routed through the vicinity are also likely to be canceled or diverted. Increased traffic congestion is likely on available routes in the area. Localized business and transport disruptions will probably persist until the police operation is concluded.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear; heed all instructions from security services. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and allow additional time for travel in the affected area.