In a bid to counter an elevated terror threat, France is set to deploy a staggering 90,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Gerard Darmanin, the French interior minister, stressed the urgency, citing a “very high terrorist threat” linked to the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
“I’ve requested a very strong mobilisation of police forces and the gendarmerie under the context of a very high terrorist threat, of course due to what’s happening in Israel and Palestine,” highlighted Darmanin.
Adding to the security measures, 5,000 soldiers from Operation Sentinel and 35,000 firefighters will be on duty. Paris, expecting up to 1.5 million people, will witness a formidable presence of 6,000 officers, including the use of drones for the first time.
READ THIS: Akwa Ibom Procures 14 Gunboats to Combat Sea Piracy
Meanwhile, Germany braces itself with one of the largest police operations in years. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser voiced concerns, stating, “New Year’s Eve could once again be a day on which we experience blind rage and senseless violence.”
Since the conflict in Gaza began, Germany has reported a surge in alleged terror plots. In France, the heightened state of counter-terrorism alert since mid-October underscores the persistent threat the country faces.