French authorities have successfully thwarted three separate plots aimed at attacking the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and other cities that hosted the summer events, as revealed by the national counterterrorism prosecutor. The thwarted plots included intentions to target Israeli institutions or representatives of Israel in Paris during the Olympic competition period, although the Israeli team itself was not specifically singled out for attack.
A total of five individuals, including a minor, have been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in the three foiled plots against the Summer Games. These suspects are currently facing various terrorism-related charges and are being held in pre-trial detention.
Security measures were significantly heightened in the lead-up to the Olympics and Paralympics, which recently concluded. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin had issued repeated warnings about potential security threats, which encompassed risks from Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists, far-right organizations, and cyberattacks originating from countries like Russia.
In a separate incident in May, an 18-year-old individual from Chechnya was arrested by the General Directorate of Internal Security for allegedly masterminding a plan to target Olympic soccer events in Saint-Etienne. The suspect was reportedly planning a violent action in line with the jihadist ideology of the Islamic State group.
The prosecutor highlighted that jihadist threats were prevalent in the foiled plots, with 80% of legal proceedings against suspects involving extremist ideologies that continue to influence the youth in France. The Islamic State group's dissemination of propaganda remains a concerning factor, according to the prosecutor.
Preventive measures undertaken by authorities included an increase in house searches and house arrests prior to the commencement of the Olympics. Notably, a total of 936 house searches have been conducted in 2024, a significant rise from the 153 searches carried out the previous year.
