Ukraine arrests Frenchman who plotted terrorist attacks on Euro 2016 as anti-migration protest
SBU says suspect purchased machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, with the aim of planning attacks on bridges, railways and other infrastructure
Ukraine’s intelligence agency has thwarted a plot to attack the European Championship soccer tournament in France by arresting a heavily-armed Frenchman who wanted to cross into the European Union, officials said on Monday.
The Ukrainian Security Service, or SBU, said it had followed the man since December and allowed him to purchase five machine guns, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 125kg of TNT, 100 detonators and other weapons. He also bought 20 balaclavas before he was arrested at the Yahodyn border crossing between Ukraine and Poland last month, authorities said.
The Frenchman spoke negatively about his government’s migration policies, the spread of Islam and globalisation
The SBU “has managed to foil a series of 15 terrorist attacks which were planned to target France before and during” Euro 2016, said Vasyl Hrytsak, the security agency’s chief.
The SBU didn’t identify the man but said the suspect wanted to protest against his government’s migration policies and the spread of Islam. It said he planned attacks on bridges, railways and other infrastructure for Euro 2016.
Extremist attacks are a major concern for French authorities as they prepare to host the monthlong tournament at stadiums in the Paris area and eight other cities from Friday through until July 10. Islamic State extremists have threatened France during the tournament, but authorities haven’t confirmed specific dangers.
France is deploying a 90,000-strong security force for the tournament, and President Francois Hollande said Sunday night that the threat of attacks won’t stop it from being successful.