France on High Alert: 7,000 Soldiers Deployed as Bomb Threats Rattle Louvre
French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the deployment of up to 7,000 soldiers to increase security patrols in France, amidst a series of bomb threats that led to the evacuation of the iconic Louvre museum. These developments follow the tragic killing of a teacher in an Islamist attack in the city of Arras in northern France.
As a precautionary measure, the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles, and Paris’ Gare de Lyon train station were evacuated on Saturday in response to bomb alerts. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that these alerts turned out to be false alarms. While he refrained from commenting on the Arras attack investigation, he did highlight the existence of a jihadist atmosphere resulting from recent events in the Middle East, including Israel’s military offensive against Hamas fighters.
To enhance security, President Macron has ordered the deployment of 7,000 soldiers who will begin their patrols by Monday evening. This initiative is part of an ongoing security operation aimed at safeguarding major city centers and tourist sites.
The circumstances of these recent events have raised concerns as France is currently hosting the Rugby World Cup and is less than a year away from hosting the Olympic Games in Paris. The upcoming Olympics have plans for an unprecedented opening ceremony outside a stadium and a parade along the river Seine.
In addition to the deployment of soldiers, 3,500 police officers will be deployed over the weekend to ensure security during the rugby matches and to protect Jewish sites. France has witnessed a series of Islamist attacks over the years, with the deadliest being the simultaneous assault on entertainment venues and cafes in Paris in November 2015.
In response to the rising number of anti-Semitic acts, Minister Darmanin revealed that 189 such acts have been identified since last Saturday, resulting in 65 arrests. As a consequence, several pro-Hamas associations will be dissolved. Protests in support of Palestine have been banned in France, and despite the ban, nine people were arrested during a small demonstration in Paris on Saturday.
These events serve as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges France faces. However, with the deployment of additional forces and heightened patrols, the French government aims to protect its citizens and maintain security during significant events such as the Rugby World Cup and the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
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