Anticipation is building for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where an estimated 15 million visitors will come to the renowned city. However, with more people comes the need for more security, so France is asking 46 countries if they will send 2,185 police officers and military personnel to help.
France is still supplying the bulk of police, security forces and service members. However, international conflicts like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine have raised safety concerns. The recent attack at a concert hall in Moscow which left more than 140 dead prompted France to increase its security alert to its highest level.
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French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that authorities are “taking into account the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack and the threats weighing on our country.”
According to The Associated Press, the Interior Ministry said on Friday, March 29, that the request for foreign security was made in January.
The officers who are sent will be needed for security and “the spectator experience,” as well as to “strengthen international cooperation,” according to the ministry.
Security is a challenge for any host country, but France is especially wary due to previous repeated terrorist attacks. One military official told Reuters that there is “extreme vigilance” surrounding security at the Games.
France has requested security to fill specific roles like sniffer dog teams, mine clearance specialists, anti-drone specialists and even document fraud specialists.
So far, 35 countries have responded “positively” to France’s requests. Poland is sending troops, including sniffer dog handlers, while Britain and Italy are reportedly sending dozens of police. Despite a war, Israel is sending its own security capacities and the U.S. is sending support as well.
It’s not uncommon for international sporting events to have foreign police, but military personnel are less common from foreign countries. Right now, the biggest concern is reportedly for the opening ceremony, which takes place on July 26.
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