Spanish National Police detain a suspected terrorist on his way to France
According to Cadena SER, the 25-year-old detainee had police charges in Belgium for crimes of robbery, homicide and kidnapping, as well as a restraining order. Linked to drug trafficking, he has been arrested with weapons and ammunition hidden in his luggage after a surprise raid at the Méndez Álvaro Sur bus station in Madrid, police sources told Europa Press.
According to Cadena Ser, he hid a bag containing a G-3 7.62 calibre assault rifle, three rounds of ammunition, three cartridges, a 9-calibre pistol and three bulletproof vests. The arrest took place at a police mobile brigade checkpoint and, according to the sources cited, the suspects became suspicious when they saw his behaviour at the capital's South Station.
Aftermath of the Daesh threat
Two days after the broadcast of the Daesh terrorist group's video through related media such as the Al Azaim Foundation and Sarh al Khilafa, the first arrest was made. The video showed armed Daesh members threatening to act in one of the four quarter-final matches of the European Cup. In the centre is an armed terrorist and the names of the four stadiums where the four matches will be played (Emirates Stadium, Parc des Princes, Metropolitano and Santiago Bernabeu).
However, yesterday's matches in Madrid (Real Madrid vs Manchester City) and London (Arsenal vs Bayern Munich) were played as normal. In both Madrid and London, the defence of the stadium was organised and coordinated by the club's security and agents from the national police forces of both countries.
All eyes are still on the Spanish capital. The Interior Ministry confirmed that the deployment at the Cívitas Metropolitano and the Real Madrid stadium is coordinated and supported by the measures established throughout Spain, with the current Action, Protection and Anti-Terrorism Plan from level 5 to level 4. The established plan followed the level 4 protocol to which more reinforcement commands have been added to prevent these unforeseen events.
Inside sources said that the government, national security forces and authorities had taken "all appropriate measures" to ensure the safety of fans and the Spanish public in general, who can go about their daily business with peace of mind.
Their aim was to go to France
There is greater concern in France. Police sources consulted by Europa Press said they were surprised to learn that he was planning to travel to France. After learning of the arrest, alarm bells went off in the French security forces, who have prepared a special device for the match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona, in the Parisian city.
National police officers said they were surprised to learn that he was planning to travel to Nantes, France. The main hypothesis being considered by investigators is that the man is involved in organised crime, but it is not yet known how long he has been in Spain.