French security services foil “Islamist-inspired” attack on Olympic football match

French security authorities have arrested a teenager suspected of planning an “Islamist-inspired” attack on a football match during this summer’s Olympic Games, according to the French Interior Ministry.

The General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) arrested the 18-year-old in Saint-Etienne. The ministry spoke of the “first foiled attack” on the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.

A statement said the Chechen citizen was “actively planning an attack on the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne during the football matches being held there as part of the Olympic Games hosted by France.” It added that he “would have liked to attack spectators, but also the police and die as a martyr.”

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin thanked the secret services for demonstrating “their full commitment and effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.”

France is attempting to strengthen security measures ahead of the Olympic Games.

In April, Darmanin announced that a week before the opening ceremony, an “anti-terrorist security belt” would be set up around the Seine. This would be several square kilometers in size and would be closed to traffic without authorization. 15 subway and tram stations would remain closed. Only four bridges would remain open.

The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11. Football matches will take place throughout France, with the final taking place on August 10 at the Stade de France in Paris.

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