Police mobilization

Fear of terrorism during the Olympics: Paris plans measures

In Paris, there is fear of terrorist attacks during the Olympics.(Bild: Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

France has asked friendly countries to send thousands of security forces to ensure security at the Summer Olympics in Paris. "Several foreign countries will reinforce us in critical areas, such as dog handlers, where the need is enormous," a representative of the French Ministry of Defense told the AFP news agency on Thursday.

According to the interior ministry, Paris asked 46 countries to send 2,185 police officers in January. Securing the Olympic Games poses major challenges for France's security forces. The attack on a concert hall near Moscow last Friday, which left more than 140 dead and to which the jihadist militia IS claimed responsibility, once again made it clear what is at stake.

Up to 45,000 French police officers and gendarmes are to be deployed every day during the Olympic Games. According to government figures, 18,000 soldiers are also to be mobilized. In addition, 18,000 to 22,000 private security forces will be deployed.

In mid-March, Germany announced security cooperation with France for the European Football Championships in Germany and the Olympic Games in Paris. According to the agreement, French police officers will support German officers at the games during the European Football Championship from June 14 to July 14, particularly at matches with French participation.

At the Olympic and Paralympic Games from July 26 to August 11 and from August 28 to September 8 in France, the Federal Police will deploy officers to protect the German House in the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris and will probably also support the gendarmerie in securing public spaces.

Target of terrorists
The Olympic Games have already been attacked in the past, for example in Munich in 1972 and in Atlanta in 1996. The thousands of athletes, the huge crowds and the worldwide television audience make the Games a target for terrorists.

Following the attack in Moscow, France has declared the highest of three alert levels.