Israel warns of ISIS threat on soccer match against Albania

ISIS remains a viable threat to world security and, while has taken measures to protect itself at home, the Jewish state must still be on alert when its citizens travel abroad.

The Albanian soccer federation says the venue for the country’s World Cup qualifying match against Israel has been changed for “security reasons,” after Albanian authorities arrested four individuals who allegedly planned an Islamic State (ISIS) linked attack on the event.

Saturday’s match had been scheduled to be held at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder, and has been changed to the Elbasan Arena.

The prosecutor’s office declined to comment on an ongoing investigation.

The four men arrested, some Albanian, some Macedonian and some from Kosovo, are all Muslims. The Albanian authorities reportedly acted on a tip from the Mossad, Israel’s famed espionage agency.

The terror cell is reportedly linked to ISIS.

Despite the arrests, Israel’s Counter-Terror Unit is still recommending that Israelis stay away from Saturday’s Israel’s national soccer team match.

The travel warning to Albania was set at Level 2 – representing a high concrete threat. Israeli authorities say that despite the arrests, there is still a real threat of terror attacks in the region.

In related news, the Albanian soccer federation has announced a ban on any anti-Israel activity at the game, including the display of anti-Israel signs. The federation warned that anyone who acts in such an offensive manner will be arrested and removed from the stadium.

By: World Israel News Staff
AP contributed to this report.

AlbaniaISISIslamic terrorMossadSoccerSports