The UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-finals have prompted heightened security measures in France and Spain after a terror threat from the Islamic State (ISIS). Al Azaim Foundation, a pro-ISIS media channel, circulated posters urging attacks at stadiums hosting UCL matches.
These posters, featuring armed terrorists and menacing messages, targeted the Santiago Bernabeu and Emirate Stadium for Tuesday's matches between Real Madrid and Manchester City, and Arsenal and Bayern Munich, respectively.
Similarly, Wednesday's fixtures at Parc de Prince and Wanda Metropolitano, featuring Paris Saint Germain against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund, were under threat. In response, France and Spain announced reinforced security measures at these venues.
Gerald Darmanin, France’s Minister of Interior, emphasized the seriousness of the ISIS threat and the need for enhanced security, particularly at Parc de Prince. He acknowledged ISIS's history of targeting stadiums and urged vigilance. Meanwhile, Pilar Alegria, a Spanish government official, assured the public of over 2,000 deployed police and civil guard officers to safeguard UCL quarter-final matches in Spain.
She also raised the terrorism alert level to 4 out of 5. This response underscores the severity of the situation and the determination of authorities to prevent any potential attacks. The heightened security measures come in the wake of ISIS's claimed responsibility for a recent mass shooting in Moscow, signaling a broader concern for public safety and security across Europe.
