French authorities intensify security for Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony with divers, drones, and dogs

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With less than a week to go before the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony, French authorities have ramped up its security measures to ensure the safety of the event.

Soldiers from various specialist regiments are already patrolling the city, diligently checking the area to safeguard the festivities along the River Seine and beyond.

A substantial team of security personnel, led by the army, is on high alert as the city makes its final preparations. The team includes divers, sniffer dogs, and drone operators, all working in unison to secure the city.

This heightened security is crucial because the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony will feature athletes parading down the river, a departure from the traditional stadium-only display.

The parade will see over 10,500 athletes on 94 boats traveling a six-kilometer route from the Austerlitz bridge to a grand finale in front of the Trocadéro. The event, starting at 19:30, will allow a limited number of spectators to watch from quays and grandstands set up on the bridges.

In the days leading up to the Paris Olympics 2024, divers have been meticulously inspecting the hulls and engines of the 180 boats participating in the river parade. They are ensuring no explosives or other threats are present in the 3.5km stretch between the Nelson-Mandela bridge and the Austerlitz bridge.

Despite challenging conditions, including low visibility and strong currents, the divers are equipped with advanced systems like the Full Range Oxygen Gas System (FROGS), allowing them to stay underwater for extended periods.

On the river, eight high-speed patrol boats will monitor and block access during the parade. Additionally, an anti-intrusion barrier with an underwater net will be deployed if a threat arises.

On the banks, soldiers equipped with advanced drones and anti-drone measures, such as MILAD systems and jammer guns, will keep a vigilant eye on the surroundings.

Moreover, trained dog teams will support the patrolling soldiers, specializing in human detection, neutralization, and explosive detection. These canine teams, including three-year-old Malinois named Stimo, are prepared to respond to threats with impressive speed and precision.