French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that despite “no characteristic threat,” the Paralympic Games in Paris will be protected by a large contingent of security forces, just like the Olympics earlier this summer.
“There is no characteristic threat affecting the Paralympic Games, but it’s clear that we must remain extremely cautious and focussed,” Darmanin said.
“Europe in general and France in particular are under the threat of Islamist terrorism,” he added.
To ensure the safety of the more than three million visitors and athletes, 25,000 police officers, 8,000 military personnel from the Sentinelle anti-terrorist unit and 10,000 private security personnel will be deployed,” Darmanin said.
The security measures include the legal authorization for the police to search all visitors to the sports venues as well as spectators at the opening ceremony on Wednesday evening.
The Paralympic Games are taking place from August 28 to September 8.