Situation Report (SITREP):
The Olympic Games, a global competition of athleticism, was first developed to instill peace. Three kings in Ancient Greece during the ninth century BC established the tradition of the “Olympic Truce,” or “Ekecheiria.” The agreement allowed safe participation in the ancient games for all athletes and spectators from cosigned Greek city-states, which were otherwise almost constantly engaged in conflict with each other. Century’s later the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revived the concept of the Olympic Truce for the duration of the athletic competition in the 1990s in an effort to “protect, as far as possible, the interests of the athletes and sport in general, and to harness the power of sport to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation more broadly.”
Despite the IOC’s “peace through sports” initiative, experts warn the upcoming Summer Games are poised to be “the most politically charged Olympics in decades.” The international competition comes amid global polarization concerning two ongoing ground wars, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Protests, including demonstrations by participating athletes, are likely throughout the games. Even before the opening ceremonies officially began, arsonists attacked high-speed train lines. Subsequent demonstrations or acts of sabotage are possible, especially by disgruntled EU citizens unhappy with election results, environmental extremists, and pro-Palestine activist groups who may use the international coverage to promote their cause.
Historically, entertainment and sporting events have made an alluring target for terrorist activity, by both domestic and international groups. Terrorist attacks at sporting events are not uncommon. Internationally, there were 168 terrorist attempts at such events between 1971 and 2003, including the 1972 Munich Olympics attack and the 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Olympic Games. In 2015, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants attacked a soccer game in the Stad de France, and opened fire outside the venue in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. In other attacks on large gathering and public assembly locations, ISIS militants attacked an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, United Kingdom. Most recently, the Islamic State – Khorasan (ISIS-K) attacked the Crocus City Hall Concert Venue in Moscow, Russia.
Impact Analysis and Recommendations:
Large public assembly locations and high-profile events will always be alluring targets for terrorist organizations and lone-wolf extremists. International intelligence officials have intercepted communications suggesting ISIS-K is targeting sporting events hosted in France and other European nations; the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 regional soccer tournaments, and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games have been identified as potential targets. The Islamist terrorist group, which has been driven from territory formerly occupied and referred to as “The Caliphate” to largely ungoverned areas in South Asia. After largely suffering defeat and the loss of controlled lands, remnants of the group and new leadership are likely trying to rebrand the organization, making ISIS-K synonymous with the fear of the original international terrorist organizations.
While large-scale attacks are less likely due to the increased security posture surrounding public assembly locations, including sporting venues, in the post-September 11th world, there is still a potential for lone-wolf or small-scale group operations. A smaller network or individual can utilize low-tech tactics and equipment for any potential attacks. In addition to terrorist threats to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, activist groups pose a significant risk to the international event, especially the IOC’s logistics, operations, and reputation.
Recommended Course of Action:
Individuals and organizations attending or affiliated with the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France should consider consulting RMS International’s intelligence and security professionals for a customized, tailored threat assessment. To find out how to mitigate the risks associated with the ongoing 2024 Summer Olympic Games, consider contacting RMS International’s security professionals at ask@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient protection plan to protect yourself and loved ones, as well as your organization, assets, personnel, operations and reputation.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2013, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com.