ISIS targets world-famous German church in latest issue of propaganda magazine

The Islamic State terror group has indicated that it is targeting a world-famous church in Dresden, Germany for an attack in the latest edition of its propaganda magazine.

In the latest issue of Rumiyah magazine, a photo of the world-famous Dresden Frauenkirche — Church of Our Lady — is shown beneath the headline "Just Terror Tactics," according to Express.

The article describes the church as "the popular gathering place of the crusaders, waiting to be burned down." It further stated that churches like the Frauenkirche are "optimal places of attack" because of their proximity to nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

The Frauenkirche, which was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 2004, was destroyed in the controversial Allied bombing raid in 1945, which claimed 25,000 civilian lives. The structure had rotted away through the years of the Cold War when Dresden was under the control of the Communists. The church was rebuilt following Germany's reunification using much of the original masonry found in the ruins.

Dresden Police President Horst Kretzschmar confirmed that German intelligence had passed on the report to him, which also includes instructions on how to build firebombs.

"Yes, we know that. There is an abstract danger and we are prepared for it," he told German newspaper Bild, according to Daily Mail.

Authorities have begun conducting a new threat analysis in Germany following the terror attacks in Barcelona last week.

On Tuesday, one of the four suspects in the Barcelona attacks had told a court that the terrorists wanted to carry out a major attack targeting monuments with explosives. Spanish authorities believe that the jihadists were targeting the Barcelona's Sagrada Familia church after they discovered a stash of gas cylinders that exploded in an Alcanar house.

Spanish officials have confirmed that patrols are being stepped up at the church as well as other major sports and cultural events following last week's attacks.

Security is now also being stepped up around churches in Germany, including the Cologne Cathedral, which draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Stone blocks have reportedly been installed to block the entrances the cathedral, which has stood in its current form since 1880.

"Perhaps the terrorists are now putting more emphasis on such goals. This is shocking, but it fits into the picture because of the perpetrators goal of religious confrontation," terror expert Professor Peter Neumann from London's King's College said.

Cologne Police president Uwe Jacob confirmed that the city is increasing its security in the wake of the attacks in Spain.

Germany has been on high alert since Dec. 19 last year, when ISIS terrorist Anis Amri hijacked a truck and drove it into a Christmas market crowd. The jihadist went on to run across Europe before he was shot to death in Milan, Italy on Dec. 23.