Paris is on high alert shortly before the start of the Olympic Games. Now another arrest has been made – according to media reports, this was related to plans for attacks during the major event.
One day before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, a man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism. The 18-year-old had been in contact with another man who had already been taken into custody on Tuesday, the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said. The two are suspected of having prepared “violent actions”.
According to media reports, the plan was to carry out an attack during the Olympic Games, but the public prosecutor's office did not comment on the matter. They said they were currently investigating how far advanced the plans were.
Presence of Security forces massively reinforced
The games begin on Friday and last until August 11. Police and military have massively increased their presence in Paris. 45,000 security personnel will be deployed for the opening ceremony alone. The armed forces will mobilize a total of 15,000 soldiers for the entire duration of the games.
“I hope that there will be no incidents. But I have great confidence in the IOC that the games will be handled well,” said DOSB President Thomas Weikert before the start.
France declared the highest terror alert level in March. At the end of May, investigators foiled plans for an Islamist terrorist attack on a football match during the Olympic Games. According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, two proven plans to attack the major event have so far been foiled.
