The Euro 2016 football championship, gets underway on Friday, and there are a lot of threats to deal with.
Threats such as gun attacks, remotely detonated bombs and even drones carrying explosives are among the possibilities that are being taken to consideration.
Just recently, Ukraine security services say they have arrested a Frenchman and an accomplice who were planning attacks on French targets before and during the tournament.
The U.S. State Department has issued a warning about the potential terror risk associated the tournament. And on Tuesday, Britain's Foreign Office issued a new travel advisory for France, warning of a "high threat from terrorism," specifically associated with ISIS.
"During Euro 2016, stadiums, fan zones, venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links represent potential targets for terrorist attacks," says the advisory. "You should be vigilant at all times, especially in areas hosting Euro 2016 events, and follow the advice of local French authorities."
As President Francois Hollande and other French officials have acknowledged, 100% security and zero risk are impossible to guarantee. ISIS in their part has made clear its intent to attack the tournament.
In a radio interview with France Info on Sunday, Hollande said: "We have invested all the means to succeed, and we must not allow ourselves to be pressured by the threat."
France has extended its state of emergency, introduced after the terror attacks in Paris last November, until the end of July. It gives police greater powers of house arrest and allows for demonstrations and rallies to be banned.
The task of securing a major sporting event that will attract several million fans from across the continent and feature 51 games at 10 venues is immense.
Nearly 100,000 French security forces will be deployed to safeguard the tournament, at match venues, fan zones and in other crowded areas.
The bases of the 24 competing countries will be heavily guarded and have been declared no-fly zones, as have the stadiums. Authorities have also introduced technology around venues that's designed to take control of and divert suspect drones rather than destroy them, according to security sources.
Fan zones for Euro 2016, where supporters will be able to watch games on giant outdoor screens, will also need to be secured. The largest, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, is expected to handle 90,000 fans.
Metal detectors, video surveillance, sniffer dogs and a large police presence are among the security precautions for the zones; fans will not be allowed to bring in large bags.
With billions of people around the globe watching live television coverage of the games and fan zones, the tournament will be a major target for ISIS and other terror organizations.
The Stade de France attacks in November also shows the terrorists were keen on targeting sports venues. ISIS would regard an attack anywhere in France during Euro 2016 or the Tour de France cycling event in July as a success.
