Warnings mounted yesterday over potential terrorist attacks just two days before the start of Euro 2016, with France on high alert as it readies to host 2 million foreign soccer fans.
The French government was to launch a smartphone app that would warn visitors of any “major crisis,” a day after Britain warned that fans could be targeted during the month-long tournament.
The free app, available in English and French, would alert users to any suspected attack or other disaster according to their location, the French Ministry of the Interior said.
Photo: EPA
The British Foreign Office on Tuesday said there was a “high threat from terrorism” during the month-long championship.
“During Euro 2016, stadiums, fan zones, venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links represent potential targets for terrorist attacks,” the office said.
The US Department of State gave a similar warning last week, saying that “unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournament in France and across Europe” were also potential targets.
The country has mobilized 90,000 security personnel to guard Euro 2016, including 13,000 private guards.
Paris police chief Michel Cadot has said an extra 3,000 officers were being added to the 10,000 allotted for the capital.
The nation is still under a state of emergency following suicide bombings and shootings in Paris that left 130 people dead in November last year and were claimed by the Islamic State group.
Experts said that militants could aim for areas with minimal security protection during Euro 2016.
“You protect 1,000 targets, so it’s the 1,001st target that will be hit,” said Pascal Boniface of the Institute for International and Strategic Relations in Paris.
Ahead of the opening match between the hosts and Romania tomorrow, France also faces the threat of disruption to rail travel due to strikes, while the threat of a walkout by Air France pilots still hangs over the tournament.
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