France Foils 3 Terror Plots for 2024 Olympics

French authorities successfully foiled three separate terror plots targeting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and other French cities, the national counterterrorism prosecutor announced on Wednesday. The plots, which were thwarted amidst the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, were designed to attack Israeli institutions or representatives in Paris during the Olympic competition held from July 26 to August 11.

While the prosecutor clarified that the Israeli team itself was not specifically targeted, the foiled plots underscore the heightened security concerns surrounding major international events. In total, five individuals, including a minor, were arrested in connection with these plots and are currently facing terrorism-related charges.

Leading up to the Olympics, France implemented stringent security measures in response to the heightened threat level. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin repeatedly warned of potential threats from various groups, including Islamic extremist organizations, violent environmental activists, far-right groups, and cyberattacks from Russia or other adversaries.

In May, French authorities arrested an 18-year-old man from Chechnya who was suspected of planning to attack Olympic football events in the southern city of Saint-Etienne. The suspect was accused of plotting a violent act inspired by the jihadist ideology of the Islamic State group.

The foiled plots predominantly involved jihadist threats, accounting for 80% of legal proceedings against the suspects. The prosecutor emphasized that the Islamic State group continues to spread propaganda, posing a persistent threat to the country’s youth.

To prevent potential attacks, French authorities implemented a range of preventive measures, including increased house searches and house arrests. In 2024, police and security personnel conducted 936 house searches, a significant increase compared to the 153 conducted in the previous year.

The successful thwarting of these terror plots demonstrates the vigilance and effectiveness of French security forces in safeguarding major events and protecting the public.