Poland will send 20 soldiers to help secure the Paris Olympics, the head of Poland’s National Security Office told state news agency PAP, adding that organizers are currently preparing for a major security challenge.
The French capital has been on high alert since the Islamist attacks in 2015 that killed 130 people and injured hundreds more. However, security measures will be tightened even further for the Olympic Games and especially for the opening ceremony.
Warsaw announced in March that a contingent of Polish soldiers, including dog handlers, would be sent to Paris as part of international efforts to ensure security at the Olympic Games, but exact numbers were not given.
The head of the National Security Office, Jacek Siewiera, told PAP late Wednesday that President Andrzej Duda had signed an order for 20 Polish soldiers to assist their French colleagues.
The Polish personnel will provide support in security and counter-terrorism operations from 24 June to the end of September.
The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympic Games will run from August 28 to September 8.