Large-Scale Rhönex 2026 Exercise Simulates Attack Scenario in Oerlenbach

Oerlenbach, Germany – Emergency services and police forces are conducting a large-scale exercise, Rhönex 2026, simulating a mass casualty event resulting from an attack scenario. The exercise, taking place at the Bundespolizeiaus- und -fortbildungszentrum Oerlenbach (Federal Police Training and Further Education Center), involves approximately 150 participants and focuses on coordinated response efforts.

Exercise Focus and Coordination

The exercise centers on the treatment of a large number of casualties by emergency medical services and their subsequent handover to police for management and the establishment of criminal investigation structures. The Bavarian State Secretary of the Interior, Sandro Kirchner, and the Vice President of the Unterfranken Police, Holger Baumbach, are observing the exercise, along with representatives from the organizing team and emergency services.

Current Threat Level in Germany

According to current assessments by security authorities and international organizations, the threat of terrorist attacks in Germany remains consistently high, particularly scenarios involving potentially numerous victims, such as vehicle attacks on crowds or attacks in public spaces.

Risks stem from Islamist groups like ISIS and its affiliates, lone-actor attackers, and potential influences from conflicts in the Middle East or Iran. Since 2023, the situation has worsened, with an increase in both prevented and carried-out attacks, including vehicle attacks in cities like Munich, Magdeburg, and Mannheim, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Warnings from Security Agencies

Agencies such as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and Europol warn of an “increased” or “persistently high” danger, exacerbated by online radicalization, compact cells, and lone actors. International sources, including the U.S. State Department, advise increased vigilance, emphasizing Europe’s overall vulnerability to such incidents. Quantifying the exact probability is difficult due to dynamic geopolitical factors, but experts assess the risk as significantly higher than in the years before 2023. The German government has intensified measures like border controls, deportations, and security surveillance in response.

Location and Contact Information

The Bundespolizeiaus- und -fortbildungszentrum Oerlenbach is located at Heglerstraße 15, 97714 Oerlenbach. Contact can be made via telephone at 09725 7103-0, fax at 09725 7103-100, or email at bpolafz.oerlenbach@polizei.bund.de.