To ensure security during the Olympic Games in Paris, France has asked for international help. An additional 2,185 police officers were needed, it was said. The attack on a concert hall near Moscow last Friday with more than 140 deaths, which the jihadist militia IS claimed responsibility for, once again made clear what is at stake.
The French capital will become a fortress in the summer: up to 45,000 French police and gendarmes will be deployed every day during the Olympic Games. In addition, 18,000 soldiers are to be mobilized. In addition, up to 22,000 private security guards will be on duty.
And now Poland also wants to help out. The Polish government said its armed forces would join the international coalition set up by France to support preparations and security for the games. The task force will also include dog handlers. The main task should be detecting explosives and combating terrorism.
Germany also agreed to send officials to Paris. The German Federal Police will help secure public spaces.
In the sights of the terrorists
The Olympic Games have 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 global television audience make the Games a target for terrorists. After the attack in Moscow, France declared the highest of three alert levels.
