Olympics: Belgian explosive detection dogs and anti-drone team to help secure Paris
In addition to the 45,000 gendarmes in charge of security, French police will be reinforced by several dozen Belgian officers, the federal police announced on Tuesday. A Belgian liaison officer, explosive detection dogs and anti-drone team will help secure the Paris Olympics.
The Olympics begin on Friday with an opening ceremony on the Seine. During the event, more than 10,000 athletes will compete in 40 venues and between 10 and 15 million visitors are expected to attend.
To secure the capital, France is deploying at least 30,000 gendarmes, rising to 45,000 at peak times. In addition, some 40 countries, including Belgium, are sending a total of 1,800 agents to assist.
Terrorist threat
Belgian state security has warned that the Olympics could be a potential target not only for terrorists but also for espionage, cyber threats and extremist protests. The intelligence services of several European countries, including Belgium, are sending a liaison officer who can exchange information with the French police during the event.
The Belgian police are also sending officers with explosive detection dogs to check buildings and venues. A special anti-drone team will be able to locate, identify and, if necessary, remove hostile drones from the sky with special equipment under the authority of France. Belgium specialises in this type of anti-drone operation.
Finally, Belgian officers will carry out checks in France and at the border. The Belgian railway police will carry out extra patrols at Brussels Midi on trains heading towards France. Passengers should expect longer waiting times at the station.
© PHOTO LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP
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