Poland to deploy troops to ensure security at Paris Olympics amid heightened alert

Poland has announced its commitment to contribute troops to assist in ensuring the safety of the event in response to the heightened security concerns surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games in France.

The decision comes as French authorities remain vigilant following recent security incidents, including shootings in Moscow, which prompted the French government to elevate the country's terror alert status to its highest level, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Poland's Defense Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, confirmed the country's participation in supporting the security efforts for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Through a statement on the social media platform X, Kosiniak-Kamysz outlined Poland's contribution, stating, "The Polish Armed Forces will join the international coalition established by France to support the preparations and security of the 2024 Summer Olympics."

He further elaborated, "A task force of our soldiers, including dog handlers, will be sent to Paris. Its main goal will be to undertake activities related to the detection of explosives and counteracting terrorist phenomena." The deployment underscores Poland's commitment to bolstering security measures in collaboration with international partners.

The announcement coincided with the visit of France's Chief of Defense Staff, Thierry Burkhard, to Warsaw, emphasizing the close coordination between the two nations in addressing security challenges. While specific details of Poland's deployment are still being finalized, a Polish military spokesperson assured that further information would be provided in due course.

The decision to reinforce security measures comes in the wake of recent incidents, including an attack on a police station in the northern suburb of La Courneuve, prompting authorities to bolster police presence near the Paris 2024 Olympics Village in mid-March. The proactive measures aim to mitigate potential security threats and ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, and participants during the highly anticipated global event.