French authorities have successfully foiled three terrorist plots targeting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and other cities. The plots included plans to attack Israeli institutions or representatives in Paris during the Olympic competition. Five people, including a minor, have been arrested in connection to the plots and are facing terrorism-related charges. Heightened security measures were in place during the Games, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin warning of security threats from armed groups, environmental activists, and cyberattacks.
In one incident, an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested for planning an attack on Olympic football events in Saint-Etienne. The suspect was linked to the ISIL (ISIS) group and intended to target establishments around the stadium. The French Air and Space Force conducted over 750 flight hours in patrols, resulting in 90 interceptions, primarily involving civilian drones. 85 drone operators were arrested, with two implicated in delivering illegal equipment to a prison.
Preventive measures included increased house searches and arrests before the Games, with 936 searches conducted in 2024 compared to 153 the previous year. France also deployed warplanes, attack helicopters, and surveillance aircraft to strengthen airspace defenses over Paris and Marseille. The operations were successful in ensuring the safety and security of the Games, despite the various threats faced by authorities.
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