Police foiled ISIS plot targeting England supporters just before Euro 2024 final
A suspected ISIS terror plot is reported to have been thwarted by German police just hours before the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.
The two teams faced off at Berlin’s Olympiastadion last Sunday in the climax of this summer’s tournament, with La Roja ultimately securing victory thanks to goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, marking their first major trophy win in 12 years.
In the lead up to the game, events were held throughout the weekend, including a dedicated fan zone for England supporters in the German capital. Thousands of Three Lions fans made their way to the fan zone located in Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz.
The Sun reported that police were forced into action just hours before kick-off, conducting raids on several addresses in the nearby city of Potsdam. It came amid fears of a potential imminent attack on the England fan zone, our colleagues at the Mirror report.
ISIS had previously issued threats against the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League, leading both organisers and German security forces to adopt an increased level of vigilance during the tournament.
German special forces reportedly detained three suspects during a series of coordinated raids last Sunday. Police searched three locations while looking for five men.
Alarm bells rang when photos were found on mobile phones of Breitscheidplatz and a large church. The five men sought by police are believed to be known ISIS supporters who were already under surveillance by German authorities.
In the days leading up to the final, three men were placed under investigation and have since been released. The operation was confirmed by German police who stated there had been an “immediate threat”.
A statement read: “The homes of three men were searched at three addresses in Potsdam. Forces from the special task forces were involved in the operation. The measures were carried out in connection with an immediate threat from the Islamist spectrum.”
Meanwhile, French police are ramping up their security operations ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris. The opening ceremony is set for next Friday, and Games chief Tony Estanguet has assured that an “unprecedented” security operation will be in place.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “My message is you can have confidence with this event. I would like to reassure that it’s non-negotiable. Security is the priority. It’s the biggest event that France has ever organised, and we want to showcase the best of France. So definitely we are determined to be ready.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming the world in Paris. I trust in the system in place to secure this opening ceremony. It’s the first time ever the objective is to have the maximum of people enjoying this moment. It’s five times more than what happened in a stadium before…So it’s a great opportunity.”
