Ignoring threats by Islamic militants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her main rival held their final political rallies Saturday before Germany's national election, focusing on the key domestic issues of jobs and economic recovery.
Two videos surfaced Friday - one by al-Qaida and another by the Taliban - threatening retaliation for Germany's military presence in Afghanistan. The Taliban video showed top German landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and Munich's world-renowned Oktoberfest.
In response, authorities on Saturday banned all flights over Oktoberfest until it ends on October 4. The annual 16-day beer festival, which was targeted by terrorists in 1980, draws some 6 million visitors from around the globe.
Security had been already tightened around the country after the first Islamic threats two weeks ago, with many more officers now visible at airports and train stations.
