France has reached out to around 45 foreign countries, soliciting their assistance in providing additional military, police and civilian personnel to bolster security measures for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games this summer.
Security is the biggest challenge for the Paris Games organisers as the city has been repeatedly hit by deadly attacks by Islamic extremists. As many as 15 million visitors are expected to visit the French city during the Olympic games from the 26th of July to the 11th of August and subsequent Paralympics. France’s government increased its security alert posture to the highest level in the wake of the recent deadly attack at a Russian concert hall and the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility. The Interior Ministry said that the request for foreign security assistance was made in January, seeking nearly 2,185 reinforcements. The officers are sought to help with the Games security and the spectator experience and to strengthen international cooperation.
Separately, the French Defence Ministry has also asked foreign nations for a small number of military personnel who could help with specific tasks at the Games, including sniffer dog teams.
Poland’s Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said his country will be sending soldiers to the Paris Games.
