Foiled terror plot threatens England’s Euro final: Police raid targets before kick-off

German police have successfully foiled an alleged ISIS terror plot just hours before England’s Euro final. Concerns have been raised about a potential attack on the Three Lions fan zone at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz, where thousands of supporters have gathered ahead of the match against Spain. German special forces detained three suspects during coordinated raids in nearby Potsdam. These individuals were already known to be ISIS supporters and were under surveillance by the German police. The raids were prompted by photos taken on phones in Breitscheidplatz and a large church, prompting authorities to search three addresses in Potsdam.

This incident is a chilling reminder of the continuing threat of terrorism, not just in Germany, but across Europe. In 2016, Breitscheidplatz was the scene of a devastating terrorist attack when jihadists drove a truck into a Christmas market, killing 12 people and injuring 56. The fact that these suspects were already under surveillance highlights the constant vigilance required in monitoring potential threats.

The German interior minister previously issued a warning about the increased dangers surrounding the euro. Nancy Faeser said the state is arming itself more strongly against all current threats, stressing the need for increased security measures. This sentiment is not unwarranted, as ISIS has previously targeted major sporting events. Last month, the group threatened attacks on the Olympics, and an image showing a terrorist flying a weaponized drone into the Eiffel Tower circulated as part of their propaganda.

In response to the ongoing threat, heightened security measures have been implemented in Paris ahead of the Olympics, which begin on Friday. British police will be among the 45,000 forces patrolling the streets of the French capital. Central parts of Paris, including iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, have already been closed to vehicles. France has also taken proactive measures to prevent potential threats, stopping about 130 people on its terror watch list from entering the country.

These incidents serve as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is an ongoing battle. Dutch intelligence agencies report foiling at least 10 terrorist attacks across Europe in the past year alone. The threat of terrorism remains a significant concern and it is essential that authorities remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to prevent attacks.

While this foiled terror plot may have disrupted the extremists’ plans, it also underscores the need for continued collaboration between international security agencies. By sharing information and working together, countries can improve their ability to identify and counter potential threats. The successful prevention of such attacks highlights the importance of continued surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts in the fight against terrorism.

In conclusion, the foiled terror plot before England’s Euro final serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups such as ISIS. It highlights the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of major events and public spaces. Collaborative efforts among international security agencies are crucial in combating this threat and preventing future attacks.