French authorities have thwarted an Islamist terror attack planned by an 18-year-old Chechen who intended to target a football match in Saint Etienne at the forthcoming Olympics.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that the suspect was “actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium during the football games that will take place there.” He added: “He intended to attack spectators but also security forces and die as a martyr.”
Continuing, Darmanin revealed that the teenager had been inspired by Islamist ideology.
The ministry is describing the incident as the “first foiled attack against the Olympic Games”.
France is on high alert with the Olympics set to attract 10,000 athletes and 10 million spectators. Although most events will take place in Paris, several will also be held further afield.
So far, however, most attention has focused on the opening ceremony on July 26. Taking place over a six-and-a-half kilometer stretch along the Seine, around 45,000 police officers have been drafted to secure the event.
This is not the first time a radicalized Chechen has made headlines in France. In 2020, a 47-year-old teacher was stabbed and beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen who was later shot dead at the scene by police.
Continuing, Darmanin revealed that the teenager had been inspired by Islamist ideology.
The ministry is describing the incident as the “first foiled attack against the Olympic Games”.
France is on high alert with the Olympics set to attract 10,000 athletes and 10 million spectators. Although most events will take place in Paris, several will also be held further afield.
So far, however, most attention has focused on the opening ceremony on July 26. Taking place over a six-and-a-half kilometer stretch along the Seine, around 45,000 police officers have been drafted to secure the event.
This is not the first time a radicalized Chechen has made headlines in France. In 2020, a 47-year-old teacher was stabbed and beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen who was later shot dead at the scene by police.
Source: Reuters / The Guardian
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