Champions League Matches: Increased Security Following IS Threats
The Champions League soccer matches are facing increased security due to threats from a media outlet supporting the Islamic State group.
The threats included images of stadiums hosting the quarter-final ties in Madrid, Paris, and London.
French and Spanish ministers confirmed enhanced security measures, with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announcing "considerably reinforced" security for Paris Saint-Germain's game against Barcelona.
The threats come just ten days after IS shared a picture of Munich stadium and called for action against sports venues.
Uefa, the soccer governing body, is aware of the threats but plans to proceed with the games as scheduled.
The Champions League matches in Madrid this week, featuring Real Madrid and Manchester City, as well as Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, have been targeted by pro-IS media groups with jihadist images.
However, there is no specific threat identified, and Spanish authorities have deployed over 2,000 police and civil guard officers for security.
The terrorist alert level in Spain is currently classified as high risk.
The Spanish sports minister and acting mayor have urged calm and dismissed the announcements as propaganda attempts to instill fear.
The text reports that both security forces and intelligence services are monitoring potential threats but see no imminent danger of a major attack.
IS typically does not announce planned attacks on social media, as was the case with last month's shooting in Moscow.
Arsenal's soccer match against Bayern Munich in London was held under increased security, with police reassuring the public that they had a robust security plan in place.
Reports had circulated of calls to target European soccer matches, but there was no specific threat identified for this game.
A pro-IS channel posted threats and images of famous soccer stadiums in Europe, including Emirates Stadium in London, Bernabeu and Metropolitano Stadiums in Madrid, and Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.
The channel may have received the directive from IS leadership, as they have hinted at closer coordination between official media operatives and online supporters.
Increased material seeking to incite attacks on channels with ties to IS has emerged following last month's Moscow concert hall attack.
Another image shared last week depicted the Allianz Arena in Munich, which is set to host Bayern Munich's return leg against Arsenal next week.
Uefa, European football's governing body, is aware of the threats and is working closely with the authorities at the respective venues.
Germany's Euro 2024 European Championships are set to go on as scheduled with increased security measures in place due to heightened threats.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that dangers have reached a new level and the state is taking stronger measures to counteract.
For Arsenal's match against Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium, venue staff are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure safety and security for all attendees.
The Metropolitan Police also has a robust policing plan in place for the event, while asking the public to remain vigilant.
The UK terrorism threat level is currently set at "substantial," indicating that an attack is likely.
The authorities in London are collaborating with counter-terrorism policing to prepare for events and consider any relevant information to ensure attendees' safety.