BERLIN TERROR: Angela Merkel vows to crush terror and increase number of deportations
ANGELA Merkel has promised to crush terrorism and increase the number of deportations of dangerous extremists.
Merkel promises better security for German citizens
The German Chancellor sought to quash fears that Germany is no longer capable of protecting its own people after Monday's Berlin Christmas market attack by Tunisian-born Anis Amri.
Amri was shot dead by police in Italy after travelling across Europe for more than 24 hours while in possession of a pistol.
He fired at police officers, shooting one in the shoulder, before he was killed outside Milan's train station.
Merkel said the investigation into the lethal attack, which killed 12 and injured 48 others, is still ongoing and Germany's intelligence agency will find out who Amri's "helpers" were.
Angela Merkel vowed to fight terror and find increase the number of deportations
She said: "We will continue to trace all those involved and we will not rest until we know who may have possibly helped Amri and if there are helpers of helpers we will take them on.
"It's a new challenge for us."
Merkel said she had spoken with the Tunisian President and demanded the speeding up of the deportation process so violent jihadis never have the opportunity to stay in Germany long enough to act out their sick fantasies.
Anis Amri was killed by Italian police
She said: "We have also made progress this year on the very important issue of deporting Tunisian citizens who have no right to stay in Germany.
"I told the Tunisian president that we have to significantly speed up the deportation process and increase the number of people sent back."
The Chancellor praised the police work carried out by the Italian officers who shot and killed Amri.
Merkel is adamant Germany and Europe's values will overcome the ever-increasing terror threat.
She said: "The German government has a responsibility to protect its citizens but we can rely on our values to be stronger than the hate of terrorism."