Daily Reports
An 18-year-old Chechen national was arrested in Saint-Étienne, France, on May 22 by the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) for plotting an Islamist-inspired attack targeting the Olympic Games. The suspect was allegedly preparing to attack spectators and police personnel at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, a key venue for the upcoming football events during the 2024 Olympics.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, this attempted attack marks the first foiled plot against the 2024 Olympic Games and accounts for the 50th such prevention by the DGSI since 2017. The young man intended to die as a martyr in his bid to execute the assault, highlighting the severity and intent behind the thwarted plan.
This successful intervention underlines the effectiveness and dedication of the French intelligence services in their ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and ensure the safety of public events. Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior, expressed his congratulations to the intelligence agencies for their unwavering commitment to this cause.
- In a separate but related event, the Olympic flame continues its tour across France, engaging local communities in the buildup to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The flame passed through the Manche department on May 31, with 85 designated torchbearers participating in the relay.
- The journey was marked by notable stops, including Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Saint-Lô, and Sainte-Mère-Église. The historical significance of these locations added to the jubilant atmosphere as the flame traversed through key landmarks.
- One of the major highlights of the day was the evening arrival of the Olympic flame at Mont-Saint-Michel, a symbolically rich site. The flame's travel route included a parade across the famous Mont footbridge and along the main street, followed by a gala performance featuring a DJ and a giant screen display.
