Written by John Irish and Juliet Jabukiro
PARIS (Reuters) – France has asked around 45 foreign countries to add thousands of military, police and civilian personnel to help ensure the security of this summer's Paris Olympics amid a complex geopolitical and security outlook. The request was made for the funding, government officials announced Friday.
The country employs about 45,000 French police and security forces and 20,000 private security personnel every day to protect the event, which brings millions of sports fans and tourists to the country for weeks at the height of summer. , plans to send about 15,000 troops.
Threats of war and terrorist attacks in Ukraine and the Middle East have forced the French government to raise its alert to the highest level in recent days.
“The security situation, especially in recent weeks, means that extreme vigilance is being taken regarding the security of the Olympic Games,” a French military official said.
It is not uncommon for foreign police forces to be invited to help manage large numbers of foreign tourists at international sporting events, but requests for military assistance are unusual. At the last soccer World Cup, held in Qatar, France provided military support to local authorities in the form of sniffer dogs and anti-drone personnel.
According to French government and Interior Ministry officials, in January a request was made to about 45 countries to support the reinforcement of more than 2,000 military and non-military personnel.
The request was made for support for both military and police missions, including motor and equestrian brigades, document fraud experts, demining experts, counter-drone experts and dog detection teams. .
Poland announced Thursday it would join the international effort by sending troops, including sniffer dog trainers. Germany also announced its contribution in March.
Diplomats said other European allies, including Britain and Italy, also planned to participate by sending dozens of police officers to help patrol the streets.
A French government official said 35 countries had responded positively so far.
“This is the classic host country approach when hosting major international events, and it was the same at the (2023) Rugby World Cup,” a Home Office official said. He added that he was involved in the incident. Tournament last September.
In addition to the broader request, Israel and the United States also plan to send their own security capabilities, officials said.
The war in Gaza and the ensuing backlash in some countries has raised particular concerns about the safety of the Israeli delegation, which officials say will require more security than previously planned. However, due to government secrecy, he did not provide details. Case.
Several Israeli delegations have already traveled to France to resolve potential difficulties, sources said.
(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by William MacLean)
