France has asked its allies to send thousands of security forces to help secure the Paris Olympics, officials said Sunday, underscoring the pressure on the sporting event to begin in July.
Central News Agency Joint report by AFP and Reuters, an unnamedDepartment of Defense“Many foreign countries will strengthen our forces in some key areas,” the official said. The official did not say how many foreign troops would come to France, but Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamich confirmed that Poland would be involved. “International alliance established by France (for the Olympics)”.
Also, a FrenchMinistry of InteriorOfficials said that in January this year, France had asked 46 allied countries to send 2,185 police reinforcements.
Both officials downplayed the significance of the request for foreign aid.
“This is a very normal step by host countries before planning major events,” the French interior ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
When France hosted the Rugby World Cup last year, European allies sent 160 police officers to help with security, and fans saw some police officers patrolling the streets, the official said.
Assuranceparis olympicsThe security has placed great strain on the French domestic forces. In addition, the attack on a concert hall in the suburbs of Moscow, Russia on the 22nd of this month, which killed more than 140 people, highlights the high security risks. The extremist organization “Islamic State” has claimed responsibility for the concert hall attack.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Atal told reporters on the 25th: “The terrorist threat exists and is very strong.” He said two plots planned by suspected Islamic extremists had been prevented this year.
France will deploy 45,000 police and gendarmes every day during the Paris Olympics and is expected to mobilize 18,000 troops, according to government data. Another 18,000 to 22,000 private security personnel will serve the Olympic Games, which will be held from July 26 to August 11.
French Interior Ministry officials explained that the request for assistance from foreign countries was “for the (viewing) experience of spectators, in response to the capacity challenges brought about by the Olympics, and to promote international cooperation.”
Germany said this month it would send an undisclosed number of police officers to France to participate in the Olympics; French troops will also go to assist when Germany hosts 2024 European Nations Cup (Euro 2024) football matches in June and July.
Movement(tag to translate)Paris Olympics