Watch: Indian special forces' K9 squad makes historic debut in Paris Olympics security
Ten Indian K9 teams, specially trained over 10 weeks, will undertake sniffing and patrolling duties at Paris Olympic venues, marking the first collaboration between Indian and French canine squads.
Ten specially trained Indian dogs from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and special commando units have been deployed in France to provide counter-terrorist and anti-sabotage security for the Paris Olympics, which opens next week, according to official sources.
Elite Indian K9 teams deployed for Paris Olympics
Ten K9 teams from India are tasked with sniffing and patrolling duties at the Paris Olympics after undergoing a special 10-week training programme in collaboration with France. These teams are drawn from the CRPF, SSB, ITBP, NSG, and Assam Rifles and will ensure security across various venues.
Watch: Indian K9 Units deployed to support security at Paris Olympics 2024. The K9 team includes 10 dogs, along with 17 handlers, & have been deployed in Paris to support the French security for the games. pic.twitter.com/xDWCT9KQv3
¡ª Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 19, 2024
The teams include Belgian Malinois dogs, renowned for their roles in infantry patrol and anti-sabotage tasks. These dogs have been instrumental in anti-Naxal and counter-terrorist operations in India and are globally acclaimed for their combat skills. The breed gained prominence after assisting US special forces in locating Osama bin Laden in 2011. A security officer stated, "The Belgian Malinois breed is considered to be the most preferred combat dog by security forces across the globe."
?? ITBP K9s Secure Paris! ??
¡ª ITBP (@ITBP_official) July 19, 2024
At the request of the French Government, our elite #K9 team is deployed for critical anti-sabotage duties at the #ParisOlympics2024. This historic first for Indian #CAPF showcases our unwavering commitment to global security. #ITBP #HIMVEERS pic.twitter.com/dNJSGmetuy
Handlers have received refresher physical training and a special French language course. CRPF canine Vast, aged five, and three-year-old Denby are among the selected dogs. They passed stringent tests at the CRPF dog breeding and training school in Taralu, Karnataka. The handlers will wear combat uniforms with Indian flag patches while coordinating with French security agencies in this international security cooperation.
Enhanced security measures for Paris 2024 games
According to a BBC report, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will take place from 26 July to 11 August, followed by the Paralympics from 28 August to 8 September.
The Games will feature 10,500 athletes in 329 events and 4,400 athletes in 549 Paralympic events, representing 206 and 184 countries, respectively.
Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: How much prize money do players at the Olympics receive?
AP
Key venues include Stade de France and central Paris locations such as Pont d'Iena. Security is heightened, involving 35,000-45,000 personnel.
Initially, 600,000 spectators were planned for the riverbank parade, but security concerns reduced this number to 326,000. An anti-terrorism perimeter requires passes for 20,000 residents and workers, following uncovered plots by Islamic militants.
(With inputs from PTI)
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