The recent terrorist attack in Moscow, which resulted in the loss of over 140 lives by ISIS-linked terrorists, has put the threat of Islamic terrorist attacks on Europe’s agenda once again. Following increased vigilance post the Gaza war, international intelligence cooperation and waves of arrests, the fear of terrorist attacks has heightened ahead of major events planned in Europe this summer.
In response to the looming threat, Germany’s Minister of the Interior announced that border checks would be reestablished ahead of the European Football Championship games (Euro 2024) to be held from June 14 to July 14. A high level of threat posed by Islamist terrorism has prompted this decision with over 27,000 people in Germany identified as having “Islamist potential” and under surveillance.
Various security measures are being put in place to ensure safety during these games. These include deploying police officers at border points and using drones for surveillance. France has also heightened its terror alertness in preparation for the Olympics this summer with armed patrols and exercises to deal with any potential threats.
In Sweden, tensions are high in Malmö where a history of violence surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has raised concerns about maintaining safety during events like Eurovision Song Contest. Threats of attacks by pro-Palestinian demonstrators and criminal gangs are closely monitored to prevent any potential violence.
The ongoing threat of terrorism highlights the complex challenges faced by authorities in ensuring safety during major events across Europe. Coordination and cooperation between countries and intelligence agencies are crucial in mitigating and preventing terrorist attacks in the region.
