Saturday, March 29, 2025
World Breaking : Terror Threats Force New Year’s Eve Cancellations in Major Cities Ahead of 2026
Preparations for welcoming 2026 are underway worldwide, with tourists already flocking to popular spots. However, several major cities have canceled New Year’s Eve events or ramped up security due to public safety concerns, including terrorist threats, recent violent incidents, and risks from large crowds.
A thwarted New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles has heightened fears. Early this month, US federal authorities arrested four suspects in the Mojave Desert rehearsing an attack using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at multiple sites. First Assistant US Attorney Bill Esle said investigators stopped the conspiracy before it could unfold. All suspects are local residents. While LA officials haven’t canceled events, security plans are under constant review.
In Paris, city authorities canceled the New Year’s Eve music concert on Champs-Élysées at police request, citing risks of crowd surges and stampedes. Fireworks at Arc de Triomphe will proceed, but with pre-recorded music instead of live performances. 8th Arrondissement Mayor Jean d’Hauteserre noted the area isn’t suited for massive gatherings.
Following a deadly terrorist attack earlier this month at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, New Year’s Eve events there have been canceled. Waverley Council cited ground conditions and public safety, framing it as solidarity with the city’s Jewish community. In Tokyo, Shibuya’s New Year’s Eve countdown was scrapped over crowd chaos and potential attack risks. Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasibe emphasized preventing accidents and panic.
Belgrade has also canceled its official New Year’s Eve celebrations, confirming no organized events this year. Meanwhile, New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop continues, expecting around 1 million attendees—one of America’s largest police deployments. Former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro highlighted the event’s scale. Officials urged vigilance, adherence to guidelines, and crowd contingency plans.
These precautionary measures aim to mitigate risks amid global tensions, per reports from The Mirror US and Fox News.
