Installation of Air Defense Weapons and Drone Shootdown... Fierce Paris [Paris Olympics]

Drone Flight Bans and Air Defense Facilities Scattered Throughout
First Troop Deployment in Paris Since WWII
44% of French Citizens "Negative About Olympics"

On the 23rd (local time), ahead of the Paris Olympics in France, a soldier holds a drone interception weapon at a drone surveillance operation briefing held by the French military.
[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the French military is installing anti-air defense weapons throughout Paris and shooting down all drones used by tourists for photography. For the first time since World War II, tens of thousands of troops are stationed in central Paris, and residents’ movements are being controlled by QR code identification similar to during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to growing negative public opinion among Parisians about the Olympics. With polls showing that over 44% of the French population view the Olympics negatively, resistance from Paris residents is expected to increase during the Games.

Drone flights banned near the Seine River... Anti-air defense facilities installed everywhere

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to local media France24, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal recently stated at a drone surveillance operation briefing held by the French military, "The French troops stationed in Paris are shooting down six drones daily," adding, "These drones are mainly used by tourists for photography, but if there is any suspicion, our military shoots them all down. Any drone without prior authorization is prohibited regardless of purpose and will be shot down."

The French military’s heightened sensitivity to drones stems from concerns that reconnaissance drones or suicide drones equipped with small bombs could attack the stadiums. The use of reconnaissance and suicide drones has increased in various conflict zones such as the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas clashes, and the Yemen civil war, raising alertness.

The French military has installed drone interception weapons and drone interception missiles throughout the city, as well as deploying anti-air defense weapons across Paris. The French Air Force plans to strengthen air defense centered around military airports on the outskirts of Paris over the approximately three weeks until the closing ceremony next month.

Paris transformed into a massive military camp... First time since World War II

[Image source=UPI Yonhap News]

Along with the anti-air defense facilities, tens of thousands of troops are stationed, turning central Paris into a massive military camp. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, about 45,000 personnel from the French military and police have been deployed throughout Paris. This is the first time since World War II that such a large-scale force has been stationed in the city.

Alongside the military presence, over 44,000 barricades have been installed throughout Paris to prevent terrorist threats. French authorities are particularly vigilant, suspecting that terrorists may have entered Paris disguised among tourists and volunteers, and have intensified security measures. Earlier, the French Ministry of the Interior resumed background checks on over one million people connected to the Olympics, including athletes, coaches, foreign journalists, volunteers, security personnel, and local residents. Among them, 4,360 volunteers suspected of being terrorists were stripped of their volunteer status and banned from entering the venues.

In the lead-up to the Olympics, Russians suspected of espionage or spreading fake news have also been arrested. On the 23rd, French police announced the arrest of a Russian man in his 40s on espionage charges. Last month, two Moldovans were arrested for placing fake news labels on the Eiffel Tower claiming French military involvement in the Ukraine war. They are believed to be agents dispatched by Russian intelligence agencies.

44% of French citizens "negative about hosting the Olympics"... Criticism of the 'QR Olympics'

On the 20th (local time), a Paris resident showed his pet parrot to the police during a checkpoint on his way home. [Image source=AP·Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Parisians living near the Seine River have expressed dissatisfaction as not only access is restricted but nearby public transportation has become unusable. Movement is controlled by QR code checks during commuting hours, and nearby metro stations have been closed and occupied by the French military, causing significant inconvenience to residents.

The French civic group 'Saccage 2024' issued a statement criticizing the government, saying, "The Paris Olympics is the first-ever QR code Olympics in history, and the actions taking place here could set a very concerning precedent for future major sporting events," adding, "For the Olympic opening ceremony, many citizens and residents have been deprived of their most basic rights to walk on public roads and use public transportation."

Public opinion in France regarding the Olympics is also worsening. According to the British BBC, a poll by the French research firm Odoxa found that 44% view the Paris Olympics negatively, while only 56% responded positively. At the end of last year, positive responses reached 68%, but as the Olympics approach, the positive response rate has sharply declined.