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24th Nov 2016

BREAKING: Police Foil Christmas Terror Attack On Disneyland Paris

Katie Mythen-Lynch

Seven men arrested on suspicion of being part of a terrorist cell in France last weekend were likely planning an attack on Disneyland Paris and the Champs Elysees Christmas market, according to the latest reports.

The suspects, who were French, Moroccan and Afghan were detained in Strasbourg and Marseille following Saturday night’s raids.

The operation marked the end of an eight-month monitoring operation by counter-terrorism police. Two of the men have since been released.

According to sources, the men had considered targeting a number of different sites, including Disneyland and the Champs Elysees, the Paris criminal police headquarters and a metro station.

While Disneyland Paris have not released an official statement on the matter, a spokesperson for the amusement park told The Associated Press that the safety and security of guests is “our No. 1 priority. We work closely with state and local authorities, and constantly review the security measures we have in place.”

France remains under a state of emergency, which allows French security forces special powers of surveillance, search and arrest in times of acute crisis.

Earlier this week, the The US State Department warned Americans who were planning to travel over the festive period to “exercise vigilance” in tourist areas due to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe”.