17 June 2024 , 14:58
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A joint operation involving the United States government's Federal Bureau of Investigation thwarted an ISIS-linked group after they made terror threats against Real Madrid players and fans at matches.
The collaborative effort, which also included Spain's Information Service of the Civil Guard and utilised Europol intelligence, successfully infiltrated the I'lam Foundation propaganda organisation. As reported by El Confidencial, nine individuals were arrested in Girona, Cadiz, Almeria, and Tenerife in connection with the threats, with two being placed in pre-trial detention.
Journalist Jose Maria Olmo took to Twitter to reveal that the investigation had dismantled a terror network that "ordered its followers to attack the bus of Real Madrid football players and fans of the team."
The network issued a series of posters with menacing messages, one of which depicted the silhouette of a hooded figure with a rifle, positioned within view of Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, aiming at the team bus. The poster warned: "My dear brother. He waits in a place near the arrival point of the players. Aim at them along with their supporters."
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Additionally, another poster contained further threats, stating: "My dear brother in Al-Andalus. A very valuable objective awaits you. Break into crowds, distract security with improvised explosives and decoy devices, and advance toward your main objective with determination."
El Confidencial has reported that a poster bearing the chilling message "Kill them all" was circulated ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals in April. The threats seemed to be aimed at Real Madrid as they prepared to take on Manchester City in Spain's capital.
In other quarter-final matches of Europe's top-tier cup competition, Arsenal squared off against Bayern Munich at London's Emirates Stadium. Another match was held in Madrid, with Atletico taking on Borussia Dortmund at the Wanda Metropolitano Arena.
The FBI were among those who foiled the organization behind chilling threats towards Real Madrid players (Getty)Meanwhile, Barcelona journeyed to Paris to play PSG at the Parc des Princes. Following the threats made to these stadiums in April, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated: "Regarding the game that will take place in the Paris region, the head of police has considerably strengthened security. We have seen, among other things, a communication from the Islamic State that particularly targets stadiums. It is not new."
Furthermore, Ade Adelekan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for London Police, confirmed: "We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London.
"However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully."