Paris: French authorities have bolstered security measures around Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Parc des Princes stadium in response to threats of attacks by the Islamic State (IS), heightening concerns ahead of the upcoming summer Olympics.
PSG is scheduled to face Barcelona later in a highly anticipated Champions League soccer quarter-final, drawing the attention of millions worldwide. Spain and Britain have also ramped up security around their respective Champions League matches following IS’s calls for attacks on host venues, including potential drone strikes.
The threats are particularly alarming for France, a country that has long been a target of militant groups, as it prepares to host the Paris Olympics in July and August. At the Parc des Princes stadium, authorities have initiated measures such as towing away parked cars and installing concrete barriers, under the supervision of senior police officers.
Despite the heightened security, fans visiting PSG’s superstore in central Paris remained undeterred. “I’m not afraid,” remarked Mathieu. “We can’t live in fear. Instead, we have to show them that we can get through this.”
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On Tuesday, matches between Arsenal and Bayern Munich in London, and Real Madrid and Manchester City in Madrid proceeded without incident. The ongoing Champions League quarter-final between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in Spain is also under increased security measures.
IS recently issued a statement urging followers to emulate the 2015 attack on the Stade de France stadium, featuring an image of the Parc des Princes, according to Site Intelligence Group, which monitors militant communications. Another image circulated by IS encouraged the use of drones to target stadiums.
In response, Spain has deployed over 2,000 officers to enhance security in Madrid during the games. Despite being significantly weakened by a coalition led by the United States, IS has been regrouping through underground sleeper cells. Its Afghan branch, ISIS-K, has been particularly active, claiming responsibility for recent attacks including a mass casualty incident near Moscow and twin bombings in Iran earlier this year.
