Islamist-inspired terror attack foiled by French police ahead of Paris Olympic Games
An 18-year-old has been arrested for planning an Islamist-inspired attack at the Paris Olympic Games
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An 18-year-old has been arrested for planning an Islamist-inspired attack at the Paris Olympic Games, officials have said.
The Directorate General of Internal Security said the suspect planned to target football events in Saint-Étienne, southwest of Lyon.
The Chechen national has been charged and placed in pre-trial detention.
According to investigators, the teenager was preparing an attack on the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium which is to host several football matches this summer.
The Directorate General of Internal Security said the suspect planned to target football events in Saint-Étienne, southwest of Lyon
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He is being held on suspicion of wanting to commit an attack.
A French report said the suspect was arrested at his home and he had already carried out a reconnaissance.
In a press release, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin congratulated the intelligence services.
He said the country will "demonstrate their full mobilisation and their effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and the protection of our country."
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"This is the first foiled attack against the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 50th attack foiled by our intelligence services since 2017," he added.
Among the games that are set to be held at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium are France vs Canada and USA vs Guinea.
A police statement said the suspect planned to target spectators and police forces.
The teenager also wanted to attack the Olympic events "to die and become a martyr", the report added.
A French report said the suspect was arrested at his home and he had already carried out a reconnaissance
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The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 until August 11.
Football matches are due to take place in cities across France.
The final is expected to be held in Paris’ Stade de France.