- Citing threats from Islamic State (IS), European countries involved in Tuesday and Wednesday's Champions League quarter-finals have announced the implementation of increased security surrounding the fixtures. BBC News
- While a French government spokesperson stated that there had not been a "concrete threat" specifically aimed at the game, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that security had been "considerably reinforced." France 24
- The decision came after an IS-linked media channel posted an image stating "Kill Them All," adding the names of the four stadiums hosting the European competition this week. It also follows the IS attack on a Moscow concert hall on Mar. 22. Daily Mail (LR: 5 CP: 5)
- The UK and Spain also bolstered security measures at their respective quarter-finals venues. However, France, which towed cars away from the stadium and installed concrete blocks, was on special alert after IS called for a recreation of the 2015 attack on the Stade de France stadium. Independent (LR: 2 CP: 3)
- Europe's governing body for soccer, UEFA, stated that it was "aware" of the terrorist threat, and stated all games would take place "with appropriate security arrangements." twitter.com
- Paris is also on security alert as it's set to host the Olympics in July and August. The President of the 2024 games, Tony Estanguet, claimed the security measures were a "priority" in ensuring the event's "success." Reuters.com
Narrative A:
- While groups such as IS are extremely unlikely to unveil plans of terrorism prior to their occurrence, and this stunt was most likely a form of propaganda, recent events in Moscow highlight the necessity for European nations not to fall complacent when it comes to dealing with security threats. Although no attack materialized, the scare is a reminder of the potential danger that IS continues to hold across the continent.
GUARDIAN (LR: 2 CP: 5)
Narrative B:
- Terrorism, especially the threat of terrorism, is the desperate act of a group unable to wage war. Performatively demonstrating strength through the response to these threats is just playing by the same rulebook as those who want to spread fear where violence would be ineffective. France and other European nations should avoid whipping up too much rhetoric, or risk overstating the influence of fanatic minorities in a stable and democratic Europe.
GUARDIAN (LR: 2 CP: 5)
Nerd narrative:
- There is a 33% of a terrorist attack occurring in metropolitan France during the 2024 Summer Olympics, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
METACULUS.COM (LR: 3 CP: 3)