ISIS-linked Euro 2024 terror plot foiled by Spanish police with Europol support

An ISIS-linked propaganda machine notorious for stoking fears of terror onslaughts at Euro 2024 has been dismantled by law enforcement.

A spate of arrests across Spain came in the wake of finding a multimedia organisation called I'LAM Foundation which was peddling Islamic State rhetoric. The outfit allegedly urged for strikes against the upcoming football extravaganza in Germany, as well targeting Real Madrid players and fans, plus the forthcoming Paris Olympics.

In chilling English-language posters, an armed militant stood with the menacing questions "Where do you want? " and "Score the final goal! " It suggested targets in Munich, Dortmund, and Berlinthe latter scheduled to host the grand finale on July 14. The arrest of nine individuals sprang from a comprehensive probe where Spanish police allied with Europol, the FBI, and agencies from numerous countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Estonia, Romania, and Iceland. Raids took place in Girona, Cadiz, Almeria, and Tenerife.

The authorities unearthed a treasure trove of extreme material across over 30 tongues, disseminated by I'LAM Foundation. Alarmingly, this network even gave exact methods on mounting a strike against Real Madrid's team.

One disturbing image displayed a cloaked figure clutching a sniper's rifle, alongside the unnerving command: "My dear Muwahhid brother. Wait at a place near the players' point of arrival. Target them along with their fans."

Another poster, referring to the Bernabeu Stadium itself, ordered: "My dear brother in Al-Andalus. A very valuable target awaits you. Break into the crowds, distract security with improvised explosives and decoy devices, and advance towards your main target with determination."

The Spanish authorities and Europol believe that the dismantling of I'LAM Foundation has cut off links between ISIS and numerous potential terrorists. The arrests come months after a terror warning was issued surrounding the Champions League quarter-finals.

UEFA stated at the time that it was "aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week's UEFA Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues". The last-eight ties, which included Arsenal and Manchester City, went ahead as planned.