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OLYMPICS THREAT
From fighter jets, snipers and spy drones – inside ring of steel protecting Paris Olympics amid threats from ISIS
Organisers are preparing for the possibility of terrorist attacks or protests following the recent election
FRENCH security chiefs have revealed the rings of steel which will protect the Paris Olympics.
A force of 18,000 soldiers will be joined by 30,000 cops for the games starting on Friday.
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Fighter jets, helicopters carrying sharpshooters and spy drones will provide an aerial strike force.
British special constables will also be deployed in Paris and Marseille.
And UK search dogs and their handlers will help venue security.
The country’s largest deployment of troops in peacetime aims to keep the 15million visitors and 10,500 Olympic Games competitors safe.
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Organisers are preparing for the possibility of terrorist attacks or protests following the recent election.
Brigadier General Éric Chasboeuf, the military’s second in command in Paris, said: “It’s a huge operation.
“I’ve never seen such a level of security in France. Whatever happens we will be ready.
“France is organising the biggest sporting contest in the world.
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“Tensions are rising everywhere, so it’s not just terrorism we have to take into account.
“Keeping the public safe from all threats is our main objective and for a soldier there is no more important mission.
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"We have a force of 18,000 soldiers deployed at all of the Olympic locations.
"They are involved in specific counter terrorist operations such as air surveillance and maritime surveillance but the majority will be patrolling the streets.
“We want everyone to be talking about the athletes and what a fantastic Games it has been.
“If no-one talks about the soldiers then we have had a good Games.”
Arthur Denouveaux is president of Life for Paris, a support group for victims of terror attacks.
He survived the 2015 massacre by Islamist terrorists which killed 90 and said: “For those two weeks, Paris will be the safest city in France.”
Pope Francis says he hopes the Games will be “an opportunity to establish a truce in wars, by showing a sincere wish for peace”.
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