Security measures in Madrid, Paris, and London are being enhanced in anticipation of the Champions League quarter-finals following an alleged threat from the Islamic State (IS). For the matchup between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, London’s Metropolitan Police have implemented a stringent security plan.
Despite the official terror alert level in Spain remaining at four out of five, the country’s interior ministry has announced that 2,000 national police and Guardia Civil personnel will assist local police in overseeing the matches involving Real Madrid and Manchester City, as well as Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The deployment, part of anti-terrorism prevention and response strategies, aims to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators, as well as the country’s citizens.
The French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, indicated a significant reinforcement of security surrounding Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Barcelona. The increase was a response to an alleged threat from IS, with a communication from the group specifically targeting stadiums. The security resources at Parc des Princes have been significantly boosted.
An informant revealed to Agence France-Presse that IS had issued a threat against the Champions League quarter-finals. Following a terrorist attack in Moscow last month for which IS claimed responsibility, France upped its security to the highest level – ‘attack emergency’. This move was prompted by the deaths of 144 people in the attack as per the US and French intelligence confirmations.
British counter-terrorism experts are finding it challenging to remember a previous instance where IS had publicly announced intentions to attack a specific target and then executed the attack.
Prominent occasions like New Year’s Eve parties have previously been under scrutiny due to potential threats, even if they did not transpire. In this scenario, the Islamic State may perceive the alarms as bolstering their propaganda activities. Authorities in the UK concluded that there isn’t any definitive evidence of a plot, given that the national threat level from terrorism remained at the third out of five stages – substantial. There would be sufficient grounds to elevate it to the top level if a specific plot were confirmed.
According to insiders, there were no intentions to dispatch additional Metropolitan Police units to the Arsenal football match beyond the robust precautionary measures already set, which incorporated a contingency for potential terrorist activities. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan of the Metropolitan Police, who was in charge of Tuesday’s London security, reassured the public that the country remains at a ‘substantial’ threat level which means an attack could occur. He added that they continuously collaborate with their counter-terrorism colleagues in preparation for London events and stay current of any useful intel to ensure the safety of attendants.
He acknowledged the media and internet reports concerning potential threats to football matches across Europe and in London, but assured the populace of a comprehensive policing strategy for the night’s game. He stressed the importance of the public’s vigilance and urged anyone to report any suspicious activities to the police or security personnel.
Authorities emphasised that while they do not perceive the threats as plausible, the attacks in Moscow require them to remain alert. Arsenal continued its collaborative efforts with the Metropolitan police to ensure security: “Our arrangements for tonight’s match, in collaboration with the police and Uefa, correspond with the current UK threat level”, the club stated.
The Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) noted the alleged terrorist threats and were in close communication with the respective authorities at different venues. They confirmed: “All matches are scheduled to proceed as planned with suitable security protocols implemented.”