A bomb scare has gripped Paris after police discovered a suspicious object near an Olympic venue.
The area around the Porte de Paris train station in Saint-Denis has been sealed off as authorities wait for a specialized bomb squad to arrive.
The nearby Stade de France stadium, which has been hosting Olympic events since yesterday, has also been closed.
Today’s events are being relocated to the national arena in northern Paris.
The Stade de France was reportedly empty when the alert was issued this afternoon, following the conclusion of the first Olympic session at 1 pm.
The second session, scheduled to start at 5:40 pm, will see hundreds of sports fans returning to the stadium. However, it’s uncertain if the train station will be reopened in time.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has assured that there have been no significant terror threats detected during the Olympics’ first week.
He revealed that about 200 people have been arrested for various offenses since July 26, including some individuals who might have posed a threat. Despite these arrests, Darmanin emphasized that no organized attacks are currently planned.
Crime Rates and Security Presence
Darmanin also noted a 24 percent decrease in thefts involving violence and a 10 percent reduction in car thefts in Paris and surrounding areas.
He attributed this drop in petty crime to the increased police and gendarme presence.
Enhanced Security Efforts
The bomb threat comes amid heightened security measures, with approximately 45,000 police officers from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers deployed.
The operation also includes aerial support with Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper drones, and helicopters with expert snipers. Additionally, 1,700 British police officers and specialized sniffer dogs are assisting French forces in Paris and Marseille.
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