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    Cops foiled suspected terror plot ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final when they raided ‘ISIS cell’ hours before kick off

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    POLICE foiled a suspected terror plot from IS ahead of England’s Euros final – raiding a series of addresses just hours before kick-off.Officers swooped amid fears of an imminent attack on the Three Lions fan zone in Berlin’s sprawling Breitscheidplatz.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raidsCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe raid on the suspected terror cell came hours before England’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: AFPThe men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillanceCredit: EPAThousands of supporters had gathered there ahead of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in last Sunday’s football showpiece.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raids in nearby Potsdam. It has since emerged that police searched three addresses while looking for five men after pictures were taken on phones of Breitscheidplatz and a large church.The men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillance.READ MORE EURO 2024A 2016 terror attack at Breitscheidplatz saw jihadists drive a truck into a Christmas market, killing 12 and wounding 56.A spokesperson for Berlin Police told The Sun on Sunday: “The homes of three men were searched at three addresses in Potsdam.“Forces from the special task forces were involved in the operation.The measures were carried out in connection with an immediate threat from the Islamist spectrum.”Most read in FootballSources said the men were put under surveillance in the days leading up to the final.The suspects have since been released under investigation.ISIS will make comeback… we must act now or face another 911, says CIA bossIt comes after we exclusively reported a chilling terror warning ahead of the Euros from the German Interior Minister in March.Nancy Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level. The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.”The latest threat comes amid heightened security in Paris ahead of the Olympics which begins on Friday. British cops will be among a 45,000-strong force patrolling the streets of the French capital.Central parts around the Seine, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are already shut to vehicles.Last month IS terrorists threatened attacks on the Olympics.The group posted an appalling propaganda image showing one of its terrorists flying an armed drone into the Eiffel Tower.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome 130 people on France’s terrorist watchlist have already been prevented from entering the country.At least 10 terror attacks have been foiled across Europe in the last 12 months alone, according to Dutch spooks.                        More

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      ‘High chance’ of terror attack at Euros with threats on ‘all fronts’, German intel chief warns amid mammoth security op

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      GERMANY has been bracing itself for a potential terror attack at Euro 2024 amid a mammoth security op due to possible threats on “all fronts”.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a “high chance” of a terror attack at the tournament with a number of major security concerns already taking place.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a ‘high chance’ of a terror attack at Euro 2024Credit: EPAInside the International Cooperation Center in Germany where the security crackdown is being navigated from amid a ‘high chance’ of an attackCredit: GettyOver 22,000 federal cops have been deployed across Germany to deal with any potential threatCredit: GettyA man in Hamburg was seen with an axe before a game earlier in the tournamentCredit: ReutersA pitch invader managed to get onto the pitch in the Romania versus Ukraine match on June 17Credit: ReutersIf any attacks are being planned Mr Haldenwang says the main threats could come from Islamic extremists or those with strong links to the raging war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.The president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution pinpointed ISIS splinter cell ISIS-K as the main “focus of attention” for any potential concerns.Since the October 7 massacre in Gaza, terror levels have soared across Europe with security groups being on high alert at almost every major event. With the Euros welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans each day to Germany, Haldenwang and his team put special measures in place to combat any threats.read more in Euro 2024Police around the country were told they couldn’t take leave during the summer of football with the federal cops deploying over 22,000 extra officers.The monumental move is the biggest mobilisation in the organisation’s history.A total of 580 international officers have also been drafted in to make up specialist security units. All of those officers are expected to be on hand for each day of the month-long event monitoring transport, fan zones and tourist hotspots. Most read in Euro 2024Cops from across the continent have also been urged to help out Germany by staying alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations before they enter.UEFA, European football’s governing body, expects over 2.7 million fans to rock up to Germany across ten cities.Turkey vs Georgia Euro 2024 clash at risk of postponement as TWO waterfalls flood from roof and violence breaks outBefore the tournament got underway, security expert Will Geddes told The Sun about Germany’s plan to use a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Euro 2024 security worries
      PITCH INVASION
      On Monday 17, a fan managed to run on the pitch before being dragged off by security in Romania’s 3-0 thumping of Ukraine.
      The supporter, who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, appeared from the stand behind the goal before a Ukraine corner.
      He managed to get to Romanian star Nicolae Stanciu, but was swiftly whisked away by stewards.
      CLASH IN THE STANDS
      Turkey’s Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as water poured from the roof.
      Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
      Around the same time, crowd violence began to erupt inside the ground between the two sets of fans.
      Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.
      The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.
      A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.
      CRAZED AXEMAN
      Last week, shocking footage showed a man with a golden pickaxe walking towards cops with a Molotov cocktail.
      Police were forced to draw their guns and deploy pepper spray moments before the suspect was arrested on the streets of Hamburg.
      The Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland, was quickly closed off to the public.
      ARRESTING TERROR SUSPECTS
      Pre-tournament German cops announced that they had arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist while he was trying to sneak his way into the Euros.
      Anti-terror investigators caught Soufian T, 23, who is said to have applied to get a pass as a security guard for “side events” outside the football stadium.
      Cops from the Cologne police department, along with investigators from the Bonn State Security Service and federal police, arrested the German-Moroccan-Polish citizen with his mother and sister at Cologne-Bonn Airport.
      TRANSPORT CHAOS
      Organisers of the Euros have already been heavily criticised during the early stages of the tournament amid transport chaos.
      Following England’s win over Serbia on Sunday, some Three Lions fans were stranded in Gelsenkirchen for up to THREE HOURS.
      Bogestra, responsible for transport in Gelsenkirchen, claimed that “it is normal to wait” when 50,000 people are trying to get home.
      They added that their concept “worked overall”, and that their target was to get everybody transported within two hours of the final whistle.
      Bogestra also claimed that social media “overrated” the issues, and that it is “impossible” to have all fans moved within an hour.
      They alleged that fans used emergency brakes before the game, which led to some of the delays.

      Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, Will’s team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser told 350 foreign cops dispatched to help ahead of the event that the focus of security will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been urged to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England faced Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message to fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpon hearing the word Panama staff are meant to “immediately offer the possibility of a place to retreat”.There is also a specialist Panama team at games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.’Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
      By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
      THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
      Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
      Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
      Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
      The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
      Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
      The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

      An ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISAnother pitch invader was seen on the pitch in the Ukraine match going up to playersCredit: AFPRiot police have been spotted across the country keeping a close eye on football fans in case of any security breachesCredit: Getty More

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      Menacing ISIS cell calling for attacks on Euros players busted after propaganda network spewing threats was unearthed

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      A SINISTER ISIS ring that called for attacks on Euro players has been snared after a major operation in Spain.Spanish cops uncovered a twisted propaganda network urging their followers to target Real Madrid football players.The radical group urged their followers to attack the Real Madrid bus and their fansThe terrorist group have previously threatened to strike similar events such as the Paris Olympics and Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or LicensorsA sickening poster urges extremists to attack stadiums including Santiago BernabeuGermany has increased security across its stadiums during the EurosThe extremist unit shared their sickening propaganda in a poster encouraging their followers to attack the footballers’ team bus.The chilling poster features a masked man opening fire with a rifle, as reported by El Confidencial.It reads: “My dear brother. Wait in a place close to the arrival point of the players. Target them along with their followers.” Another propaganda poster shows Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium with a message in English written over it which says: “A very valuable target awaits you.READ MORE ON EUROS“Disrupt their gatherings. Distract their security with IEDs and decoy devices and advance towards your main goal steadily.”While another disturbing poster with the words “Kill them all” was circulated before the Champions League quarter-finals in April.Spanish cops have arrested nine people after a joint operation involving Spain’s Civil Guard, Europol and the FBI.The arrests occurred in Girona in the north-east of Spain, Cadiz in the south, Almeria and Tenerife.Most read in Euro 2024It is understood two of those arrested have been sent to prison pending an ongoing investigation following a court appearance.Police have yet to make any official comment.The detainees are said to have been linked to the I’lam Foundation, which describes itself as an Islamic State multi-language media centre that provides content in several languages including French, Arabic and English.The arrest comes a week after German police arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who tried to sneak his way into a security guard job at one of the selected stadiums.The warped terror group has previously threatened to strike the Euros with posters showing terrorists poised to attack stadiums.Meanwhile, the threat of terrorism in Europe by radical jihadists is at an all-time high with ISIS also threatening to strike the upcoming Paris Olympics and the Champions League in recent months.Earlier this month the death cult posted a propaganda image showing one of its terrorists seemingly flying an “armed drone” to attack the iconic Eiffel Tower.The poster, pushed by ISIS-linked social media channels, was captioned: “Lone wolves’ Olympics have begun with the Will of Allah.”Western intelligence revealed how cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months across Europe.Germany who’s hosting the Euro this year has beefed up security by deploying thousands of armed cops.READ MORE SUN STORIESSecurity expert Will Geddes told The Sun the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.’Acute’ terrorist threat across EuropeBy Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
      THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
      Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
      Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
      Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
      The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
      Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
      The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

      Thousands of German cops have been deployed to protect against potential threatsCredit: AP More

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      Germany deploys vast Euros ring of steel with 22,000 cops, snipers and ‘super spotters’ amid ISIS & hooligan threat

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      GERMANY will secure the opening Euros game with a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks. Security expert Will Geddes, who has worked with Premier League clubs, told The Sun 22,000 cops will be dispatched for today’s match alone. Inside the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich, where the 2024 Euro championship kicks off todayMasked ISIS terrorists brandish the death cult’s flagGerman cops take part in an operational drill to prepare for the Euros at a football stadium in MayCredit: EPAThe UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Will, who leads a team of security experts at International Corporation Protection (ICP), closely monitors ISIS chatter.READ MORE ON ISISWorking with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, his team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser told 350 foreign cops dispatched to help ahead of the event that the focus of security will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.Today’s game will see Scotland take on Germany at their Allianz Arena in Munich – which can hold up to 67,000 fans.Most read in Euro 2024Over the course of the championship, Germany will play host to a whopping 2.7 million fans in 10 different stadiums – alongside 12 million more in fan zones.Will explained that the mammoth security op will range from snipers spread around the stadium to “super spotters” hidden in amongst the public.ISIS ‘lone wolves’ will attack Britain in months as MI5 ‘prepares to raise threat level’, warn terror experts”There’s going to be a number of different layers of security”, he said.”You have some 22,000 federal police that will be assigned particularly to the games… including hostile behaviour detection personnel.”These are specialists looking for those indicators for individuals that may have malintent.”Further “foreign and neighbouring countries police forces” brought in from across the globe will have had input from their own intelligence services and anti-terror units ahead of the match.Will told The Sun that certain technology will be brought in to keep football fans safe.”There’ll also be a hostile surveillance detection,” he said. “And this will be both human and electronic; AI using facial recognition.”The Euros presents a real wide spectrum of potential risks and issues which have to be prepared for and protected against, at the moment we’re at a very high level of risk against Islamic stateWill GeddesHe explained special experts will be called in to scour for dangerous individuals already known to them – called “super spotters”.The risk analyst said: “These will be people that will be implemented within the crowd, looking for key individuals that they have a record of.”The overt measures will “include things like snipers” and possibly “members of special forces, and GSG 9, who will be working in a clean, close capacity, but within striking distance”.GSG 9, meaning Border Guard Group 9 in German, is an elite special forces unit of the country’s federal police who focus on terrorism and violent crime.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been told to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England face Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message today to fans.Upon hearing the word Panama staff are meant to “immediately offer the possibility of a place to retreat”.There is also a specialist Panama team at the games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.Hundreds of German local and federal police practice security tactics ahead of the Euros in AprilCredit: APGermany and Scotland fans in Munich on Thursday ahead of today’s matchCredit: ReutersGerman police tend to a mock casualty as they take part in an operational drill at the Stuttgart Arena in MayCredit: EPAAn ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISTHE RESURGENCE OF ISISIn early February The Sun warned that the West could be facing a new “War on Terror” as ISIS gears up for a comeback.Weeks later in March ISIS-K, a grim offshoot of the terror group, shot up and set fire to a concert hall in Moscow, killing some 140 people.It marked the deadliest terror attack in Europe since 2004 and put other countries around the world on high alert.Nancy Faeser warned at the time that it had raised “dangers to a new level”.We’re entering a phase where people are now really much more aware of the serious Islamic threat of terrorismChris PhillipsIn April, Dutch intelligence agency AIVD revealed that ten jihadist attacks were foiled across Europe in just the last year.Will told The Sun: “At the moment we’re at a very high level of risk against Islamic state, also Islamic state in the Kharisan [ISIS-K], who were responsible for the attack on the Moscow concert hall.”Repeated threats against Germany have been splashed over ISIS’ warped media channels since – with posters showing terrorists poised to attack its stadiums.German police arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who tried to sneak his way into a security guard job at one of the selected stadiums last week.And a cop was killed in Mannheim after a lone knifeman attacked a far-right anti-Islam politician during a rally on Friday, May 31.Although not confirmed as a terrorist attack, Germany’s federal prosecutor said they were taking over the investigation because of “clear indications” of an Islamist motive.Chris Phillips, former Head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told The Sun: “What we’re seeing across Europe actually is attacks that are growing in France and Germany.”[Germany] have had an attack recently, where a policeman ended up getting killed.”We’re entering a phase where people are now really much more aware of the serious Islamic threat of terrorism.”I think [Germany] will be throwing everything they’ve got at securing these Euros. And that will be the militaryChris PhillipsAhead of the Euros and also the Paris Olympics, Chris said: “We’ve got a series of big events coming, and of course, any big event is an attractive target to terrorists.”All these big events are just impossible to fully secure.”I know for a fact that German place and French police will be really concerned about it.”In terms of the security operation at the Munich game, Chris said: “It’s a massive, multidimensional policing operation. “And what the public see is just the tip of the iceberg.”It will involve armed forces as well as police and intelligence operatives, he explains.The former counter terror chief told us: “I think they will be throwing everything they’ve got at securing these Euros. And that will be the military.”An ISIS-K poster threatening to attack a Champions League game in GermanyThe site of the Crocus City Hall massacre in Moscow, March 2024’SOFT TARGETS’ & TRANSPORT HUBSWill told The Sun that fan zones at the matches will need to be shored up today as any potential ISIS attackers could view them as “softer targets”.He told The Sun: “The fan zones could be deemed as a softer target, particularly for terrorism.The fan zones could be deemed as a softer target, particularly for terrorismWill Geddes”Where the stadiums themselves can be locked down only those with valid tickets can enter, but in the fan zones almost anybody can get through. “Any individual entering those fan zones will be searched thoroughly to ensure that they do not carry any potential lethal implements or weapons on them that could be utilised for a terrorist attack.”Will also explained why the entire city of of Munich will need to be on high alert.He told The Sun: “Transportation networks and hubs are always going to be on their agenda.”It’s going to be locations where there is a high concentration of people, because obviously they want mass effect in any attack.”So bus terminals, train stations, metro networks. These are all going to be provided with a greater level of vigilance by law enforcement.”Busy transport hubs like train stations in Munich will have heightened security during the matchesCredit: Getty’PERVERSE AGENDA’Will told The Sun that levels of ISIS activity and chatter online has increased in recent months.He said: “We are regularly monitoring the avenues and the channels that we’re aware of that ISIS supporters sympathisers are using.”There has been a lot of chatter on many of the channels that they utilise; Islamic state, ISIS-K and those various different groups.”Quite often they’ll be used on things like signal and in Telegram chat rooms and this is where they are trying to recruit and trying to enthuse their supporters to assist in exacting their distorted and perverse agenda.”They have publicised certainly an attachment to Germany, they have made a very specific reference to Germany.”There has been a lot of chatter on many of the channels that they utilise; Islamic state, ISIS-K and those various different groupsWill GeddesWill said the activity online can be hard to fully categorise into tangible threats and “brave talk”.He told us: “The intelligence agencies will again go through that filtering process, and there has been much chat around not only the euros, but also the Olympics.”This is evident in the most recent arrests that have taken place before both of these events.”DRONE THREATChris Phillips, former head of UK Counter Terrorism, spoke to The Sun about the risk of drones in the hands of a group like ISIS.Just days ago they made a threat against the Paris Olympics with a poster of a drone carrying what is presumably an explosive labelled “gift”.Chris told The Sun: “I’ve always had a concern about drones and how they can be used.”We have security levels, usually up to about 10 foot, 10 foot fences and of course, drones can be used to just flip over the top of those.”And as we’re seeing drone technology take off, it’s a really concerning part of the threat.”Someone that knows how to use drones and knows how to make a bomb. Put those two things together, and you’ve got a big issueChris PhillipsWhile security “across the world” grapples with the evolving threat posed by drone warfare, Chris said events like the Euros pose a unique risk.He said: “In particular, of course, sports events where you can fly over the top of the over the top of the security into the stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can buy a drone very easily that carries enough explosives to cause some damage.”Someone that knows how to use drones and knows how to make a bomb. Put those two things together, and you’ve got a big issue.”‘Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
      By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
      THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
      Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
      Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
      Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
      The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
      Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
      The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes. More

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      ISIS terror suspect caught after applying to work as SECURITY GUARD at Euro 2024 in Germany

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      GERMAN cops have arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist while he was trying to sneak his way into the Euros. Anti-terror investigators caught Soufian T, 23, who is said to have applied to get a pass as a security guard for “side events” outside the football stadium.Fans cheering for their home teams during a football matchWhen authorities checked his application to become a member of staff, they found that the German state security had deemed Soufian an Islamist. Cops from the Cologne police department, along with investigators from the Bonn State Security Service and federal police, arrested the German-Moroccan-Polish citizen with his mother and sister at Cologne-Bonn Airport.A number of mobile phones and €2,500 were seized.The championship kicks off in Germany on June 14 and the build-up has already started.Read More on Euro 2024The England team is set to play against Slovenia in a stadium in Cologne. State security officials also discovered that he had applied for two accreditations in Rhineland-Palatinate for the big events Rock am Ring and the 24 Hour Nürburgring.Further investigations by the Federal police found that the suspected terrorist had booked a one-way ticket for a trip from Germany to Istanbul in May, fuelling their suspicions.After the arrest, Soufian T’s apartment was searched and other mobile phones, data storage devices and computers were confiscated.Most read in FootballThe Federal Criminal Police Office was also called in and further investigations were made on his bank account and online activities.Investigators also seized what are said to have been suspicious recordings.The suspect was taken to Karlsruhe under heavy guard and brought before the investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice.His mother stated that they were supposedly planning to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.She was able to show tickets that showed that they were planning to continue their journey to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.She also had return tickets with her.The investigation is ongoing.It comes as the threat of terrorism in Europe by radical jihadists is at an all-time high.England fans were previously warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.Previously, ISIS-K – an Afghanistan-based offshoot of ISIS – issued threats against cities including Paris and London.The Al Azaim Foundation, a media channel responsible for disseminating messages from ISIS-K shared a post threatening an attack on four stadiums, also including the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.Games targeted included Arsenal versus Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, and PSG vs Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.It comes after French security services foiled a plot for an “Islamist-inspired” attack which was planned for during this summer’s Olympic Games.The country’s domestic intelligence agency arrested 18-year-old Rokhman B. who is suspected of organising an attack on a football game in Lyon.The Chechen immigrant to France is said to have wanted to disrupt games planned in Saint-Étienne, a city in the east of the country, and “die a martyr” by killing spectators or police officers.France’s interior ministry said he had been detained for “actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy Guichard stadium [in Saint-Etienne] during the football games that will take place there.”Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics chief promised a ring of steel at the opening ceremony amid fears it may have to be moved due to terror threats.Tony Estanguet insisted that “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of 15million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.Western intelligence revealed how cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months across Europe.Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are ISIS-K?
      ISIS-K are a splinter faction is a warped army of barbaric fanatics that even terrify the Taliban.
      It’s members are believed to have led the massacre at a Russian rock concert that killed at least 133.
      Some 6,000 people are believed to have been inside the venue watching Russian rock band Picnic when the bloodshed began.
      The gunmen began shooting civilians at point-blank range – through glass doors, turnstiles and then the concert hall itself, traumatised witnesses said.
      At least 133 were killed – including three children – and over 121 wounded – but the death toll continues to rise as bodies are pulled from the smouldering rubble.
      The US says it has intelligence that confirms the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the bloody massacre – and argued it was led by an Afghanistan-based splinter cell, ISIS-K.
      Originally formed in 2015, the group have been a consistent threat to security in Afghanistan, carrying out brutal suicide bombings and vile ceremonial executions.
      The “K” refers to the historical region of Greater Khorasan, which included parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
      Despite efforts from the West, the former Afghan government and the Taliban to fight them back – they seized on the chaos sown by the country’s collapse and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.
      One of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State militant group, ISIS-K’s membership peaked in 2018 before declining.
      It suffered heavy losses inflicted by American air strikes and Taliban forces, reportedly cutting its ranks in half.
      However, it got a dramatic second wind after the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s fall to the Taliban.
      The group was responsible for an attack on Kabul’s international airport in 2021 that killed 13 US troops and scores of civilians during the chaotic US evacuation from the country.
      The attack raised the international profile of the group and help position it as a major threat to the Taliban’s rule.
      On May 8, 2021, ISIS-K were blamed for the bombing of the Sayed al-Shuhada girls’ school which saw two improvised explosive devices and a car bomb explode outside the school.
      Other vicious attacks include the storming of Kabul University by gunman which left 22 dead and 22 wounded in November 2020, and a suicide bomber who blew himself up at a wedding killing 92 in August 2019.
      In September 2022, ISIS-K militants claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul.

      Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.AIVD didn’t elaborate further on where the 10 attacks were set to take place.Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14Credit: Getty More

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      Fury as footie fan spotted wearing Man Utd shirt with ‘Hamas 7’ printed on back

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      A FOOTIE fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked fury.A Jewish man saw the top worn in London’s Oxford Circus on Friday — a day before the team won the FA Cup final.A football fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked furyCredit: SWNSA witness fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7Credit: SWNSThe witness, who wants to remain anonymous, fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7 which killed 1,139.He said: “It was un­believable. I followed the man for two minutes and took photos.“I think he was aware but didn’t seem to care.”He doubted Hamas was the fan’s name.READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDIt is illegal to show support for the banned group.Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer.Man Utd does not allow political slogans on its shirts.Hamas is a prescribed terrorist organisation in the UK, and was responsible for killing 1,139 people and taking 250 Israeli hostages on October 7, 2023.Most read in FootballMembership and expressing support for Hamas is an illegal act in the UK and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “On Friday, 24 May police received a call from a member of the public reporting that a man was walking in Oxford Street, W1 wearing a football shirt with an offensive message on it.’Palestine will never die’ Anti-Israel demos rock cities across US with 100 protesters arrested”Enquiries are under way to try and identify the man.”Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer, snapped at London’s Oxford CircusCredit: SWNS More

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      Security fears rise as 500K England and Scotland football fans planning to travel to Germany to watch Euros

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      HALF a million England and Scotland football fans are planning to travel to Germany to watch the Euros — sparking security fears.Thousands of supporters will not have tickets, with just 10,000 issued for each team at the initial three group games.Security fears for the Euros have grown amid fears that upwards of 350,000 England fans could clash with yobs or be threatened by terroristsCredit: GettyOver 150,000 Scotland supporters are also expected to visit Germany for the month-long tournamentCredit: GettyAuthorities had expected 300,000 Brits to visit during the month-long tournament, but have now sharply revised estimates upwards to 350,000 England and 150,000 Scotland supporters.The prospect of huge numbers of ticketless followers raises already serious security concerns, with policing now being ramped up further over terrorist and yob threats.And thousands of fans are expected to be out of the UK on July 4 for the General Election — the day before the first quarter-final. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are favourites to win, so should still be battling for glory.READ MORE ON EUROS 2024A UK-based German diplomatic source told The Sun on Sunday: “The sheer numbers will mean greater resources will have to be directed to host cities where England and Scotland are playing.“They will all be welcome, but our priority will always be their safety and security.”Up to 40,000 England fans will be expected at the team’s qualifying group games against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, Denmark in Frankfurt and Slovenia in Cologne. Many without match tickets will throng fan zones and bars to watch on TV.Most read in FootballMunich is drafting in more than 2,000 extra cops and fire brigade staff ahead of the arrival of thousands of Scots for the Euros curtain-raiser against Germany on June 14.Concerns are also spiking for England’s first game — a June 16 clash with Serbia, who are known to have violent fans who back Vladimir Putin’s Russia.BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teamsJihadist IS has also issued attack warnings in the host cities. More

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      Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligans

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      HIGH-definition screens flash constant streams of data as British intelligence researchers work around the clock in a vast security nerve centre bigger than a football pitch.Crack police teams from nations across Europe sit side-by-side at workstations in a constant vigil to snuff out potentially deadly threats.Policing teams from across Europe will be working together at Euro 2024 to combat disorder and potential terror threatsCredit: AFPGerman police have been taking part in operational drills at stadiums ahead of Euro 2024Credit: EPABut this is not Britain’s GCHQ listening post or a Pentagon war room — it is the hub of the biggest soccer security operation in history at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.It is expected that 300,000 fans of England and Scotland will head from the UK for the month-long tournament, which kicks off on June 14.German authorities admit that, as well as soccer hooligans, they are trying to counter unprecedented terror threats from IS and rogue factions spilling out of the war to the east in Ukraine.And growing tensions in the Middle East are only adding to their security concerns.READ MORE EURO 2024Germany’s answer has been to pull together 300 of Europe’s top police brains to oversee the daunting security challenge from the purpose-built International Police Cooperation Centre at Neuss in western Germany.And the man in charge of the British presence spoke for the first time last night of the vital role that will be played by three specialist officers spearheading the intelligence operation.Former Met officer Mick Johnson, director of the UK Football Policing Unit, told The Sun on Sunday: “I’ve no doubt it’ll be a well-run machine.“We’ll have three staff working shifts. That’s one more than most nations, because English fans tend to start early and finish late.Most read in Football“They’ll work in three-day stints starting one day before games, match day itself and the day after.“We have a team of plain-clothed operational football officers — once called spotters — on the ground watching fans who will report to our team based in the IPCC.Euro 2024 Controversy: Spying Suspicions in Scotland Fans’ Lodging“If they spot anyone causing trouble, or identify anyone who’s been banned from matches, they will tell the IPCC team who’ll relay it to the Germans who will step in to take action as they see fit.“There will be three or four games a day so each hub will feed into the central IPCC coordinating centre at the same time.“It’s a good system. We’ve used it many times and I have to say the Germans are up with the best in the world at organising it.”Security forces face the task of protecting 2.7million fans, 24 team base camps, and ten stadiums where 51 matches will be played between June 14 and July 14. Top officials in Germany have been visiting the policing HQ as they prepare for an influx of fans next monthCredit: GettyPolice officers will have direct contact with the nerve centre as they keep control of fans around the groundsCredit: GettyPolice leave has been banned as fan zones nationwide are expected to attract 12million visitors and have been identified as the most likely terror targets.In an unprecedented move, Germany has invited 300 security experts from competing nations to the state-of-the-art Neuss HQ.UK experts will work in shifts alongside officials from Germany, Europol and European football body Uefa sifting data from live CCTV streams and the undercover spotters mingling with fans. The hub of the operation is a hangar-like 500  sq  metre conference room equipped with 129 computers and a giant 40  sq  metre screen.Tournament director Philipp Lahm said: “From the outset, security has been our top priority.”Oliver Strudthoff, director of the IPCC, said: “Each country knows its troublemakers better than any other and the foreign experts present in Neuss will be able to identify them more quickly.“A delegation’s size will depend on number of fans and how potentially dangerous they are. “England, for example, will have more representatives than Switzerland.”Among the visitors to the HQ was Herbert Reul, minister of the interior of North Rhine-Westphalia.The country’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed in March that an Islamist attack in Moscow had raised “dangers to a new level”.Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.Among the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans will be a plan to close borders temporarily and to ramp up frontier checks. A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, who will be staying with their families at the five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain.More than 1,600 known England yobs have been banned from travel to Germany during the tournament.Between 800 and 1,300 police will be deployed around the stadiums at each match guarding three separate security perimeters.Cars will be checked at the first, bags searched at the second and tickets scanned at the third.Fan zones are feared to be softer terror targets as they welcome tens of thousands for every match.The German Army will scan the skies around matches for drone attacks and will feed data into the IPCC central command.Mr Johnson, whose nerve centre team will be led by his deputy Paul Foley, expects a minority of England fans to cause trouble but shares the hope it will be kept to a minimum.He said: “With England there are always going to be those who drink too much and engage in anti-social behaviour. “They might sing songs that they shouldn’t and are generally a pain in the arse.“But, by and large, they don’t get involved in premeditated violent outbursts and we’ve no major concerns with any of the teams we’ll be playing in the group stages.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re hopeful that it’s going to be really pleasant and enjoyable for all and let’s hope England fans get voted best fans in the tournament. “We’ve got to win something.”English police are hoping the nation’s supporters are the best behaved at the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      ISIS-K threatens attacks on Bayern Munich & Dortmund matches ahead of Champions League with image of gunman in stadium

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      ISIS-K has threatened to attack Champions League matches tonight after posting an image of a gunman in a football stadium online.The photo shows a terrorist in full camouflage looking across a stadium with the words “Where do you want” plastered across it.The terrifying poster threatening to attack Champions League matches this weekCredit: Voice of KhurasanThe chilling poster of the gunman looking at a football stadium was made and released by terror group ISIS-KCredit: ISIS-KOn the photo, the word “Where” sits atop the purposely designed threat with a slit through the middle of the letters as blood stains drip down the photo.Three German cities are also mentioned in the image – Berlin, Dortmund and Munich.The only other text says “Then score the last goal”, seemingly referencing the Champions League games this week.It is unclear what the threat means exactly, but there are two German sides competing in the semi-finals.read more in terrorismBayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both looking to create an all German clash in the final as Bayern look to nick a win away in Madrid.Dortmund have a slightly easier task as they take a one-goal lead to Paris, meaning a draw will take them through.The image has been posted in Voice of Khurasan – a regular “terror magazine” published online by the squad.It appears on the final page of the magazine.Most read in FootballThere has been no statement yet from European football’s governing body UEFA or any of the four sides involved in the matches.Elite anti-terror unit to protect Champions League stadium from ISIS threat as France takes NO chances over attack fearsAlthough The Sun can confirm elite anti-terrorist police will be on duty in Paris tonight.Heavily-armed specialist officers from the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) are expected to be around the stadiumA police source in the French capital said: “Officers from the BRI will be on standby around the ground, along with around 500 regular officers. “Every eventuality will be covered.”Paris, where Borussia Dortmund play PSG tonight, have previously announced considerable reinforcements to their match day security after previous terror threats as major events.France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, warned the security around future Paris Saint-Germain European games will be “considerably reinforced”, last month.The countries most elite anti-terrorist unit was drafted in for their quarter final match with Barcelona.Former Bundesliga champions, Bayern, travel to the capital of Spain for their game tomorrow night.In the previous round, the Spanish government deployed 2,000 extra police officers to guard Real Madrid versus Man City.Who are ISIS-K
      Originally formed in 2015, the group have been a consistent threat to security in Afghanistan, carrying out brutal suicide bombings and vile ceremonial executions.
      The “K” refers to the historical region of Greater Khorasan, which included parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
      Despite efforts from the West, the former Afghan government and the Taliban to fight them back – they seized on the chaos sown by the country’s collapse and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.
      One of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State militant group, ISIS-K’s membership peaked in 2018 before declining.
      It suffered heavy losses inflicted by American air strikes and Taliban forces, reportedly cutting its ranks in half.
      However, it got a dramatic second wind after the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s fall to the Taliban.
      The warped army of barbaric fanatics that even terrify the Taliban – are believed to have led the massacre at a Russian rock concert that killed at least 133.
      Earlier this year, the top US general in the Middle East said ISIS-K could attack US and Western interests outside of Afghanistan “in as little as six months and with little to no warning.”
      The group was also responsible for an attack on Kabul’s international airport in 2021 that killed 13 US troops and scores of civilians during the chaotic US evacuation from the country.
      They also perform filmed executions and have even been videoed killing children.

      This latest warning to fans going to Champions League ties comes less than a month after a sinister poster was revealed by ISIS.It included the names of the four high-capacity venues hosting quarter final clashes and a message that read: “Kill them all”.Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Real’s Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium and PSG’s Parc de Princes were all on high alert.This prompted the reactions from the Spanish and French authorities to step up their protection. UEFA made a statement on the day of the games saying they were aware of the terror threats. They said they were “closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues with appropriate security arrangements in place”.Thousands of added security were deployed across the European cities hosting the games on hand to identify and dispel any trouble.Police outside Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena as they prepare for this week’s massive clashCredit: GettyISIS-K claimed the horror attack in Moscow earlier in the year as their own doingCredit: ISIS-KSecurity experts told The Sun armed cops would be stationed on roofs with packs of prowling bomb dogs for the games.Chris Phillips, a security expert and former police officer, told The Sun that the security operations will even stretch beyond stadiums to city centres and busy transport hubs.After ISIS singled out the game locations, he said armed cops will be on the lookout for trouble at “train stations, bus stations, even airports” which he says will be “an easier target”.He said at-risk areas in Paris and Madrid – where the two games are being played this week – will likely be crawling with “firearms officers” with sniffer bomb dogs to deter any terrorist threat.Chris continued saying the Champions League threat was ISIS “trying to put themselves back on the map”, and a “call to arms” for extremist individuals.A new wave of bloodshedIn recent weeks, ISIS have resurfaced across Europe and the US in a concerning escalation putting British counter-terror experts on high alert.Will Geddes spoke to The Sun and said he would not be surprised if the UK’s terror threat level increases.He said: “I would be remarkably surprised if we did not see a terrorist attack on UK or on European soil, certainly in the next few months.”These worries have stemmed from a horrific attack in Moscow as four ISIS-K gunmen unleashed gunfire on concert-goers, slaughtering over 140 and publishing horrific videos of their deaths.It was the worst Islamic extremist terror attack in Europe to date.London and Paris are expected to take further measures in the coming months as they are both are set to host huge sporting events in the Champions League Final and the Olympics.France raised its terror threat level to the highest marker after the Moscow attack – meaning an attack is “imminent”.The UK is yet to announce any increases to the level.It was also remarkably revealed that cops foiled 12 terror plots across Europe in the past year.Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.READ MORE SUN STORIESAIVD, the Dutch agency who made the report, listed two potential reasons for the high number of attacks in the last year.It said: “There were two mobilising issues: the destruction of Korans in the Netherlands and other European countries and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.”Borussia Dortmund is believed to be one of the teams ISIS-K are targeting through their poster as Dortmund was named on itCredit: GettyBayern Munich face Real Madrid tomorrow evening for a chance to play in the finalCredit: AFP – Getty More