Spain announced on Thursday its decision to dispatch 313 police officers to Paris to bolster security measures for this summer’s Olympic Games, responding to heightened alert levels in France following potential threats of attacks.
The deployment, including bomb disposal experts and canine units, comes at the request of French authorities seeking international assistance to ensure the safety of the Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled from July 26 to September 8. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed the deployment in a statement retrieved from its official website by PUNCH Online.
“Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, welcomed a group of officers who will soon depart for Paris, offering words of encouragement for their mission and stressing the esteemed reputation of Spanish security forces within the European Union,” the statement read.
The request for Spanish assistance, made via the French embassy in Madrid back in January, was swiftly approved by Grande-Marlaska’s department. Detailed discussions between French and Spanish security officials have since outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Spanish contingent, comprising 171 national police officers and 142 civil guards.
“The Spanish contingent includes specialized units such as Police Intervention, Canine Guides for explosives detection, and anti-drone teams from the Air Unit,” the statement continued.
France has escalated security measures to the highest level following recent deadly attacks, including the tragic incident at a Moscow concert hall claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. This has necessitated a robust security presence throughout Paris, particularly during the Olympic Games, which will feature a ceremonial opening along the Seine River.
“The French Ministry of the Interior reached out to 45 countries for police support during the Games, with Spain offering the largest contingent among the participating nations,” the statement highlighted.
The security apparatus for the event will involve nearly 45,000 police officers and gendarmes across the Paris region, complemented by 18,000 military personnel, including aerial surveillance units. The Spanish police delegation’s participation underscores international cooperation in ensuring a safe and successful Olympic Games in Paris.
