Belgium will send soldiers to Paris to strengthen security at Olympic Games
Belgium will be among several countries to send soldiers to France in an attempt to strengthen security at the Olympic Games in Paris, La Libre reported on Tuesday.
In preparations to tighten security for the Olympics, Defence minister Ludovine Dedonder confirmed that Belgium would send several units specialised in military mine clearing as well as detection dogs.
"It is recognised that the Belgian Defence has expertise in this area and is regularly requested for international interventions," the French Defence ministry said. The number of soldiers has not yet been confirmed.
Following the recent terrorist attack on a concert hall in Moscow, which killed more than 130 people, French authorities are extra cautious about an event that will bring 15,000 athletes and their delegations together in addition to millions of spectators. The opening ceremony, in particular, poses difficulty with a nautical parade covering 6km. The General Directorate of Internal Security has asked the Olympic organising committee for a Plan B, citing the dangers of the proposed ceremony.
The Olympic Games run from 26 July to 11 August, followed by the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September.
© PHOTO EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
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