Unprecedented Security Measures for Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

French soldiers and police are being deployed along the River Seine to ensure safety during the grandiose opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, where thousands of athletes will sail towards the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

The decision to use a 6-kilometer stretch of the Seine for the July 26 ceremony before a 320,000-strong audience presents a significant security challenge. Authorities are deploying 45,000 police officers and gendarmes, along with 10,000 soldiers from the Sentinelle operation, to protect both participants and spectators.

Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier acknowledged the complexities of securing an urban environment like the Parisian Seine, especially after the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump heightened security concerns. Specialized units with high-tech equipment, including drones and sonars, have been mobilized, and a special anti-terrorism perimeter will be enforced.

(With inputs from agencies.)