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Sabotage of the olympics has started. Are further attacks possible?

(29 Posts)
Whethertomorrow Fri 26-Jul-24 11:56:27

Apparently there have been numerous fires started to disrupt travels.

I am very worried that there are going to be more attacks and loss of life. Paris is a very difficult place to keep secure what with the numbers involved contestants, staff, public and press etc.

The olympics is watched worldwide and would be a coup for any terrorist.

I hope I am wrong.

Witzend Tue 30-Jul-24 07:52:13

Let’s hope there’s be nothing else. 🤞🙏
I was worried about terrorists, not to mention chaotic admin, disorganisation, etc. before the London Olympics but as a pp said, the atmosphere was brilliant - we attended several events. Everything seemed to go like clockwork, and I was particularly impressed with the charming Gurkhas doing security duty after the private co. (owned by a mate of Cameron?) couldn’t fulfil requirements.
And the gorgeous swathes of wild flowers all along the waterside path! Even the weather was kind.

RosiesMaw2 Sat 27-Jul-24 12:10:27

Any major event like the Olympics, the World Cup, our recent Coronation or Euro 24 is a massive security risk. We have to hope that those responsible for security have the necessary leadership, Intel, manpower and resources to keep the public safe.
There are never any guarantees but we can't be defeatist or negative or we let the terrorists win.

RosiesMaw2 Fri 26-Jul-24 20:47:58

They could have thunder too but that might just make it more interesting

RosiesMaw2 Fri 26-Jul-24 20:02:07

Own up!
Who did a Rain Dance before the opening ceremony?
☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️

Oreo Fri 26-Jul-24 19:52:03

Maggiemaybe

As a fan of the Olympics, I’m hoping that all goes well after today’s bad start. Only Paris and Los Angeles were in the running for staging 2024 by the time the decision as to where it would be was taken, so Los Angeles was awarded 2028. I fear there won’t be many countries coming forward to host after that and I feel very sad about it. We have such happy memories of our time at London 2012 - what a great event it was, what a fantastic atmosphere.

There doesn’t seem to be any news yet as to who sabotaged the railways, and that in itself is a worry, considering it was so well coordinated. DH worked as a student at the Munich Olympics, and witnessed the attack on the Israeli compound. God forbid that anything like that should ever happen again.

Having the opening ceremony as an open air and moving feast must be quite the challenge for the security forces. They have 75,000 police, army and security personnel in place though. I doubt we could summon up so many.

A lot of police officers from the UK, or is it just England? Are helping out there with security, have no idea why.

Labradora Fri 26-Jul-24 17:27:25

Could be anyone of the Usual Suspects.
God forbid that another Bataclan or Charlie Hebdo shoud occur.
Usual Suspects now includes Russia apparently after French support for Ukraine.

Mamie Fri 26-Jul-24 15:36:32

The rail problems were caused by arson attacks out on the TGV network, everywhere except the south-west. This is one of the big holiday travel weekends so lots of French people affected.

Maggiemaybe Fri 26-Jul-24 15:34:01

As a fan of the Olympics, I’m hoping that all goes well after today’s bad start. Only Paris and Los Angeles were in the running for staging 2024 by the time the decision as to where it would be was taken, so Los Angeles was awarded 2028. I fear there won’t be many countries coming forward to host after that and I feel very sad about it. We have such happy memories of our time at London 2012 - what a great event it was, what a fantastic atmosphere.

There doesn’t seem to be any news yet as to who sabotaged the railways, and that in itself is a worry, considering it was so well coordinated. DH worked as a student at the Munich Olympics, and witnessed the attack on the Israeli compound. God forbid that anything like that should ever happen again.

Having the opening ceremony as an open air and moving feast must be quite the challenge for the security forces. They have 75,000 police, army and security personnel in place though. I doubt we could summon up so many.

RosiesMaw2 Fri 26-Jul-24 15:14:25

The Franco-Swiss airport of Basel-Mulhouse was evacuated and closed due to a bomb alert on Friday
An Air France flight to Paris was on standby at the airport due to the bomb alert, the airline told Reuters .
However, around two hours later it stood down the alert

Well away from Paris CdeG - we must not let these people intimidate us.

RosiesMaw2 Fri 26-Jul-24 13:32:00

GrannyGravy13

SKY news are reporting that a French Airport has closed and all passengers and staff have been evacuated.

This is turning out to be a bad day for the French Authorities.

Along with the Australian Cycling Team having their transport broken into and equipment stolen this week, not the star they were intending for Paris Olympics.

D1 with GS and GD flew into CdeG OK today -but admittedly after 2 hours delay at Luton and have sent me a pic of them safely in their taxi so I'm relieved!
I'm not sure what nanna8 means by "safer countries" though. Those with draconian police forces who quell any opposition with guns or tanks like China? I'd rather take my chance in a democracy.

OldFrill Fri 26-Jul-24 13:17:33

GrannyGravy13

I have just read that there is a ban on women Olympians wearing the hijab, that alone is bound to cause tension.

Only French team

OldFrill Fri 26-Jul-24 13:16:30

nanna8

One of our Australian Olympians was raped yesterday by a gang of five men in Paris. Not nice.

It's reported in UK as an Australian tourist, no mention it was an Olympian.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 26-Jul-24 13:16:10

Wyllow3

GrannyGravy13

I have just read that there is a ban on women Olympians wearing the hijab, that alone is bound to cause tension.

Is that for all competitors or just the French ones, in which case it was banned last September.

Either way, disagree most strongly. It's not a full face covering, its a headscarf.

Have just double checked and it is French Olympians that are banned from wearing the hijab.

It is a basketball player who is trying to get it overturned after returning from playing in the USA.

She has allegedly been told that if she removes her hijab she will be on the team

Wyllow3 Fri 26-Jul-24 13:08:00

GrannyGravy13

I have just read that there is a ban on women Olympians wearing the hijab, that alone is bound to cause tension.

Is that for all competitors or just the French ones, in which case it was banned last September.

Either way, disagree most strongly. It's not a full face covering, its a headscarf.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 26-Jul-24 13:02:25

Urmstongran

Surely that ought to have been discussed and decided upon before now GG13. Bit last bluddy minute on the eve of the opening ceremony. Honestly - do these organisers want extra tensions!

Not sure when it was decided, just seen some upset female athletes complaining about it.

Casdon Fri 26-Jul-24 13:02:02

This scenario could so easily have been London 2012. Our underground and inter rail services are equally vulnerable. Unfortunately the threat of terrorism is much greater than it was even 10 years ago.

Jaxjacky Fri 26-Jul-24 13:01:57

GG13 I think that’s French sportswomen only, hijab rules in Françe for its population only.

Urmstongran Fri 26-Jul-24 12:58:58

Surely that ought to have been discussed and decided upon before now GG13. Bit last bluddy minute on the eve of the opening ceremony. Honestly - do these organisers want extra tensions!

nanna8 Fri 26-Jul-24 12:58:38

Our athletes have been told not to wear their green and gold uniforms outside their living quarters for fear of being attacked. I think that is disgusting and hope, after this Olympics, safer countries will be used.

Urmstongran Fri 26-Jul-24 12:57:03

Eurostar tells passengers not to travel after arson attacks ahead of Paris Olympics.

marshmarigold132 Fri 26-Jul-24 12:52:38

Problem on Eurostar now.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 26-Jul-24 12:51:25

I have just read that there is a ban on women Olympians wearing the hijab, that alone is bound to cause tension.

Urmstongran Fri 26-Jul-24 12:50:27

Russian payback for being banned?

dragonfly46 Fri 26-Jul-24 12:49:44

This is so sad. We were in London in 2012 for the Olympics and the atmosphere was amazing.

nanna8 Fri 26-Jul-24 12:46:18

One of our Australian Olympians was raped yesterday by a gang of five men in Paris. Not nice.