Islamist terrorists are planning to attack the German parliament in Berlin, Der Spiegel magazine reported Saturday.

According to intelligence obtained by the German magazine, the attack on the historic Reichstag building could involve the taking of hostages and detonation of explosives. In a highly unusual step, German authorities raised the security alert all over the country last week, after receiving similar information.

The report also claimed two of the terrorists who are supposed to carry out the attack have already arrived in Berlin.

The intelligence source, according to the magazine, is an al-Qaeda operative, who reported the plot to German security services over several phone conversations last week.

On Wednesday, following the phone calls, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere bolstered the security alert across the country.

According to the operative, the plot is set to be carried out by six terrorists, of which two are already in Berlin. The four others – hailing from Germany, Turkey and North Africa are scheduled to arrive in Germany over the next few weeks.

The al-Qaeda member also claimed the plot is scheduled to take place in February or March.

Der Spiegel reported that American security services handed the Germans additional information about a possible terror plot.

According to intelligence transferred by the CIA, two terrorists affiliated with a fundamental Indian Shiite organization were slated to arrive in Germany on November 22, in order to carry out an attack.

The detailed report claimed the terrorists are planning to pass through the United Arab Emirates, where they will be supplied with authentic documentation, including visas to Germany and other European countries.

Daud Ibrahim, who is said to be one of the organizers behind the Mumbai terror attack two years ago, is allegedly responsible for sending the two.

(Source: Ynet News)