German police reportedly thwarted a suspected ISIS terror plot just hours before the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. The two teams clashed at Berlin’s Olympiastadion last Sunday, with Spain ultimately clinching 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 Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz, which attracted thousands of Three Lions fans. ISIS had previously threatened to target the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League, prompting organisers and German security forces to adopt a heightened approach to policing during the tournament.
According to the Sun, police were compelled to act just hours before kick-off, conducting raids on several addresses in the nearby city of Potsdam amid fears of an imminent attack on the England fan zone. German special forces reportedly detained three suspects during a series of coordinated raids last Sunday, while searching for five men across three addresses.
Alarm bells rang when photos of Breitscheidplatz and a large church were found on mobile phones. The five men sought by police are believed to be known ISIS supporters who were already under surveillance by German authorities.
The three men came under investigation in the run-up to the final and have since been released but remain under probe. German authorities have verified that the operation took place, stating it was due to an “immediate threat”.
According to a statement: “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.”
This comes as French police officials amplify their security endeavour in anticipation of the forthcoming Olympic Games. The kick-off ceremony is set for next Friday.
The Games’ head honcho, Tony Estanguet, guaranteed an “unprecedented” security strategy will be in effect.
He confided in BBC Sport saying: “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.”