Worry over potential assault by extremist Muslims on the European soccer tournament.
Germany tenses up for the European Football Championship as security threats loom over the event. Authorities are on high alert, keeping a close eye on potential hooligans, cybercriminals, and an affiliate of the Islamic State. The fear of attacks on fan festivals and even one of the matches is all too real.
Every major event comes with security concerns, and the Men's European Football Championship starting Friday is no exception. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has called for special efforts from security forces at both federal and state levels, promising a substantial police presence at stadiums and fan zones.
The security situation is deemed tense, and the risks are numerous: the possibility of Islamic State attacks during one of the 51 matches or an attack on a major fan festival is equal to the potential for disastrous cyberattacks in connection with the Russian war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian national team is participating in the EM, further elevating fears of dangerous incidents.
Other threats extend beyond world politics - violent outbursts from hooligans associated with some teams, like the Hungarian national team known for its rowdy supporters, are also cause for concern.
The Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISPK) affiliate, a jihadist militia, is currently being monitored closely by security authorities. This group is responsible for planning large-scale, complex attacks in Europe. Numerous suspects have been arrested in Germany recently.
The ISPK is considered the most dangerous and powerful extremist group in Europe. While there are no specific plans for attacks, the "abstract" danger is high, as demonstrated in previous events like the EM 2016 that took place just over half a year after the devastating Islamic State attacks on the Bataclan concert hall and restaurants in Paris.
Authorities have faced a range of challenges in preparing for the tournament, from drone defense to border controls. The "graduated system" of security around stadiums is a significant aspect of their efforts to ensure safety. There is no specific information regarding the number of forces deployed for the entire four-week tournament.
Despite the numerous security measures in place, authorities and emergency services continue to train for any potential natural disasters that could occur during the championship. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief has been providing training and preparing venues with warning infrastructures, as well as deploying 60 Medical Task Forces with 27 special vehicles for large-scale emergencies involving numerous injuries.
Over 3,000 deployment forces will be on duty in Stuttgart, among many other cities and towns across Germany, during the matches. These forces will include personnel from the police, fire department, rescue services, and other government services. Special skills in analyzing hazardous substances and decontamination are also part of the defense strategy.
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The interior minister has emphasized the need for increased security measures, especially from the police, due to the looming threat of Islamic State affiliates and Islamist extremists during the European Football Championship in Germany. This comes amidst concerns about potential attacks on fan festivals or even matches, similar to those that occurred during the EM 2016.
Given the terrorist threat posed by the Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISPK) in Europe, German authorities are closely monitoring this group's activities. The ISPK has a history of planning large-scale, complex attacks across the continent, which necessitates heightened security during major events like the European Football Championship.
European security forces, including those in Germany, are bracing for potential cyberattacks related to the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine. The presence of the Ukrainian national team in the tournament has added an extra layer of uncertainty, given the heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
