Brussels Terror Cell Reportedly Planned to Attack Euro 2016 Tournament

UEFA Euro 2016 was reportedly a target of the same terror group that carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 and Brussels in March, according to French outlet Liberation (via Kim Willsher of the Guardian) and Paul Cruickshank and Mariano Castillo of CNN.  

Mohamed Abrini, who was arrested on terror allegations, said the plan was in place for the summer. Investigators are currently working on verifying Abrini's statement.

“According to our information, [Abrini] has explained the initial intention of this nebulous terrorist Franco-Belgian terrorist group was to go into action during the Euro football tournament,” Liberation reported Monday (via the Guardian).

Abrini was one of six suspects arrested Friday. He is allegedly part of the terror cell who killed more than 130 people in Paris, 31 people in Brussels and injured hundreds more in both locations. The attacks were carried out via a series of bombings.

Police in France say they've known for some time that Euro 2016 was a potential target for terrorists. 

“It’s hardly a scoop to learn that the terrorists were hoping to attack during the Euro. The security forces are always examining possible attack scenarios to know how to respond,” a police officer told Liberation (via the Guardian).

Euro 2016 is slated to take place between June 10 and July 10. The tournament is one of soccer's biggest spectacles on the international stage and should offer a preview of what to expect in Rio for the Olympics.

 

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