French authorities revealed on Wednesday that multiple terror plots, including plans to attack Israeli institutions or representatives, were thwarted ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Prosecutor Olivier Christen confirmed that while Israeli team members were not specifically targeted, the broader objective of the attacks was tied to Israel’s presence during the Games.
In a statement to FranceInfo, Christen provided limited details, citing ongoing investigations, but stressed the serious nature of the threat. The five individuals arrested, including a minor, are currently facing terrorism-related charges and remain in pre-trial detention.
The threats arose against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, heightening tensions and security measures across the country.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had previously warned that security threats surrounding the Olympics were multifaceted, with concerns extending to Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists, far-right groups, and potential cyberattacks from foreign actors such as Russia.
Highest Security Alert in Months Leading to Olympics
In the lead-up to the Olympics, French authorities placed the nation on its highest security alert. The Paris Games were already marked by stringent security measures, with Darmanin and security officials ramping up efforts to safeguard participants and spectators alike.
This included increased surveillance, heightened law enforcement presence, and a series of house searches aimed at preventing extremist actions.
According to the prosecutor, the majority of the plots stemmed from individuals inspired by jihadist ideologies. Christen highlighted that approximately 80 percent of the legal proceedings linked to these foiled plots involved extremist Islamic beliefs.
In particular, the influence of the Islamic State (ISIS) was evident in one of the more prominent cases from May 2024, when an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on suspicion of planning to attack Olympic soccer events in the southern city of Saint-Étienne.
The suspect had allegedly targeted bar establishments near Geoffroy Guichard Stadium and intended to carry out a violent action in alignment with ISIS propaganda.
Christen pointed out that jihadist ideology continues to attract a significant portion of French youth, despite efforts to counter radicalization.
Preventative Measures Yield Success
French security forces have implemented extensive measures to prevent any terrorist activities ahead of the Games.
This year alone, police and security personnel have conducted 936 house searches, a dramatic increase from the 153 house searches carried out in 2023. These efforts have played a crucial role in deterring threats and addressing concerns of extremist actions.
Additionally, France rejected multiple accreditation requests for the Paris Olympics, citing security fears. According to French officials, individuals with links to terrorist groups or those flagged as security risks were barred from attending the Games.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded peacefully last week, the French government remains vigilant.
Despite successfully preventing these plots, the continued threat from radical groups and international conflicts underscores the challenges faced by global sporting events in an increasingly volatile world.
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