France beefs up security as Paris Olympics approach - BBC News

Officials stress IS-linked threats are not new, but police put on a show of force ahead of the Games.

23 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, France has strengthened security around the Parc des Princes ahead of Wednesday's Champion's League quarter-finalBy Andrew HardingParis correspondentUnder clear blue skies, extra French police have been making a show of force around Paris today, on foot patrol at railway stations and near stadiums, seeking to reassure the public amid new warnings that the Islamic State group might be planning to attack European football events.

The heightened security in the French capital marks a moment of growing concern across Europe, as governments seek to assess, and react to, threats made on a pro-IS media channel.

It also comes at a complicated moment for France itself, as it prepares to host the Olympic Games in July following growing concerns that the Kremlin is deliberately trying to spread doubts and fears about the French government's ability to keep its citizens safe.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said he had "considerably strengthened security" around Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final match at the Parc des Princes in southwest Paris.

The move follows an online threat to European sporting events that Mr Darmanin said had been "publicly expressed" by IS. The pro-IS media channel had reached out to supporters in France and elsewhere, who may feel emboldened after seeing the recent IS-claimed attack on a concert hall in Moscow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68772589

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