Armed guards have been seen patrolling the streets of Paris, metal barriers now line the banks of the Seine and 45,000 police officers have joined the massive security operation ahead of the Olympics.
The highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be the most heavily guarded Games in history, with drones, AI surveillance and helicopters deployed following heightened security concerns for athletes, their staff and the public.
Operation Ring of Steel will see security measures spread across the city, rather than just in centralised locations like the London 2012 Olympics.
A massive force of some 45,000 police officers recruited from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers will make up the sprawling defence system, believed to be France’s biggest troop deployment since World War II.
But alongside human efforts, the “unprecedented” operation will also involve several air units, including Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones and helicopters with expert snipers on board.
Armed guards have been seen patrolling metal barricades erected near the River Seine in Paris ahead of the start of the Olympic Games.
Locals were seen eating at a restaurant behind a perimeter fence in Paris that is being used as a first line of defence.
Police officers guard metal railings on the streets of Paris
Armed guards near Place de la Bastille, Paris. The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place on Friday, July 26 along the River Seine.
Some 1,700 British police officers are already supporting French officers in Paris and Marseille, as well as UK sniffer dogs that have been hand-picked by French authorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron has assured fans that “there are plans B and plan C” in case something happens.
His sentiment was echoed by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet, who acknowledged that “a balance must be found between perfect security” and ensuring the Games remain enjoyable for spectators and competitors.
However, he told a news conference on Sunday: “The basis is how we can guarantee the safety of spectators and athletes.
“That is why in our country there is an unprecedented security system in Paris, especially to ensure that there is security.”
Images from Paris today show the city behind rows of metal barriers as locals and tourists dine in restaurants behind perimeter fences near the River Seine, where the opening ceremony will take place on Friday.
The four-mile metal barricade was installed by the Paris Police Prefecture and will remain in place throughout the Games to prevent and deter any trouble.
This anti-terrorist fence, called SILT or “steel belt”, is ultimately the first line of defence and was initially erected on 18 July.
Anyone wishing to enter the protected area will need to scan a QR code to enter the closed part of the city.
The four-mile-long metal barricade was erected by the Paris Police Prefecture and will remain in place for the duration of the Games.
Police officers take security measures as preparations continue ahead of the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 22, 2024 in Paris.
Some 1,700 British police officers are already supporting French officers in Paris and Marseille
French President Emmanuel Macron poses for a selfie with volunteers as he visits the Olympic Village, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Paris.
All vehicles are also prohibited from entering certain areas around some of the event venues, and only emergency vehicles are allowed to pass through.
Squads of armed, uniformed police have also been seen patrolling the streets and guarding barricades ahead of the start of the games.
Brigadier General Éric Chasboeuf, second in command of the army in Paris, said Sun:It’s a huge operation.
“I have never seen such a level of security in France. Whatever happens, we will be prepared.”
Along with the barriers, AI surveillance will also be used as part of the massive operation after the French parliament last year passed legislation introducing an AI-powered security system designed to identify security threats.
High-tech systems will be used throughout the Games to monitor large crowds by running “smart, algorithm-based technology” through additional security cameras installed at venues.
The technology will help police identify people, search bags and check for suspicious movements or behaviour.
And with the threat of terrorism so high, it’s no wonder France is doing everything it can to combat it.
Last month, the Islamic terrorist group ISIS threatened to launch chilling attacks during the upcoming Paris Olympics through a terrifying poster.
French President Emmanuel Macron (second from right) listens to Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nunez (right) with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin as he visits the Olympic Village police station, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 22, 2024
The anti-terror fence, dubbed SILT or “steel belt”, is ultimately the first line of defence and was initially erected on 18 July.
A massive force of some 45,000 police officers recruited from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers will form the extensive defence system.
Police control access to roads near the River Seine ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics
The group posted a propaganda image showing one of its members apparently flying an “armed drone” to attack the city’s iconic Eiffel Tower.
Alongside the disturbing image, a caption read: “The Lone Wolf Olympics have begun by Allah’s will.”
The chilling threat indicated there could be attempts to carry out lone-wolf style terror attacks in Paris in the midst of the upcoming games.
Following the threat from ISIS, officers made a number of arrests, including a 26-year-old man who was detained for allegedly planning a “violent action.”
Due to the increased threats, Israel has also pledged to plan its largest security operation yet for Israeli athletes taking part in this year’s Games.
Armed Shin Bet agents are preparing to provide security for some 88 Israeli athletes and their staff, but not everyone will have their own bodyguard, according to Israel’s culture minister.
Miki Zohar told The Telegraph that they had been planning the biggest ever security operation for Israeli athletes for more than a year, while doubling the team’s security budget.
The move comes as threats against Jews and Israelis continue to rise at an alarming rate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.
Former Shin Bet official Lior Akerman also told the paper that the officers will be “equipped with weapons and technologies” and will also benefit from assistance from local security and police forces.
The massive security effort will begin from the moment the athletes arrive in Paris, throughout each stage of the games and until the moment they return to Israel.
Former Shin Bet chief Yaakov Peri echoed Akerman’s statement, confirming that Israeli secret agents were probably already in France and carrying out checks there.
He also called the operation “one of the most difficult security challenges” any Israeli delegation has ever faced.
“The threat against the team can come from anywhere. There is no doubt that there is danger,” Peri warned in a chilling tone.
France is considered a “category 2” country, meaning the Israeli government believes it is a “potential threat” to Israelis.