France undergoes a major energy transition - Chechen teenager detained for potential terrorism during the Olympics
French authorities have foiled potential assaults supposedly aimed at audience members and law enforcement officers during the coming Olympic Summer Games, as revealed in their own declarations. On Friday, an 18-year-old Chechen suspect was nabbed for supposedly organizing an attack motivated by Islamist principles at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne (Loire department), according to the Interior Ministry. This is said to be the "first thwarted attack on the Olympic Games, " scheduled for July 26.
According to the ministry's statement, the man, captured on May 22, had intended to "assault spectators and law enforcement officers, and perish as a martyr."
The Olympic Games: Worry for Security Services
The Olympic Summer Games are set to take place between July 26 and August 11. Given the numerous assaults in France over the past few years, security forces are understandably antsy.
In late March, France lifted its terror alert to its highest of three tiers in response to the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall in a Moscow suburb that left more than 140 people dead. Islamic State took credit for the attack.
Paris has also experienced various jihadist attacks, with the deadliest happening on November 13, 2015, leading to 130 fatalities. There's also worry that the Ukrainian war or the conflict in the Gaza Strip could trigger violent behavior during the Olympic Games.
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