Olympic Games 2024: Reinforced security for marathons in the face of terrorist and environmental threats
Faced with the fear of jihadist attacks, unbalanced acts, and to a lesser degree, actions by environmental activists, the Paris police headquarters has decided to strengthen the security system for the Olympic Games marathons. of Paris 2024. These events will take place on Saturday August 10 and Sunday August 11, between the capital and Versailles, according to a report from Le Parisien confirmed by AFP.
Massive mobilization of law enforcement
To secure the three marathons, 10 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed. Nearly 000 squadrons of mobile gendarmes, or around 35 soldiers, and several marching companies will be present throughout the 2 km route. Intervention forces such as GIGN, RAID and BRI will also be on site.
Specific monitoring for Israeli athletes
In a context of increased tensions in the Middle East, the Paris police headquarters particularly fear an attack targeting an Israeli runner. Israeli police officers will reinforce security for the two events in which six Israeli athletes will participate: the men's marathon on Saturday morning and the women's marathon on Sunday morning. Between these two races, a “marathon for all” will bring together 40 running enthusiasts.
Prevention against environmental actions
Spectacular actions of environmental movements are also feared. Recently, before the cycle race in the Bois de Vincennes, around ten ultra-left activists were arrested while trying to disrupt the event. Vigilance therefore remains essential.
An unprecedented device
The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, took stock of the security of the Olympics during a visit to Seine-Saint-Denis, affirming that several plans for violent actions had been foiled by the intelligence services. In Île-de-France, 35 police officers and gendarmes, 000 soldiers from Operation Sentinel and several thousand private security agents are mobilized every day for the Olympic sites.
“Everything has gone well so far,” said a security source, while recalling that despite all the precautions taken, “zero risk does not exist.” The security of the 2024 Olympic marathons is therefore rigorously ensured, but remains a constant challenge for law enforcement.
Alice Leroy
