Security stepped up as Germany marks unity day

(NECN/APTV) – Security forces across the country were on high alert on Saturday as Germany marked the anniversary of the 1990 reunification of East and West following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. Police in Berlin increased their presence on the streets as the capital prepared to celebrate the national holiday. Crowds are expected to come and watch two Royal de Luxe giant marionettes which started their journey through the streets of the city on Friday. The marionettes are supposed to meet at landmark Brandenburg Gate later on Saturday. Meanwhile, security was still high at this year’s Oktoberfest in Munich. Police searched bags and cars as visitors arrived at the annual beer festival. Recent internet videos released by radical Islamic militant groups threatening Germany referred to the Oktoberfest. Authorities have banned flights over Oktoberfest – something that is usually only done when high ranking visitors are in the area. Oktoberfest has been targeted in the past. This year’s festival opened with a minute of silence to honor the victims of a bomb attack that killed 13 people and injured 200 others on September 26, 1980.