(VOVWORLD) -Some 2,000 foreign troops and police will be sent to Paris to bolster security for this summer's Olympic Games as France remains on high alert following attack threats.
Sébastien Lecornu, French armed forces minister, told TV station LCI Friday that many countries have pledged to send a total of 2,000 foreign police officers, gendarmes, and troops to join the protection system for the Olympic Games.
The minister said the reinforcements will provide "specific functions" in short supply, including dog handlers, horse riders and mounted patrols.
Nearly 45,000 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilised in the Paris region of Ile-de-France for the opening ceremony July 26, which in breaking with tradition will be held along the Seine River instead of the main stadium.
During the games themselves, 18,000 French military troops will be deployed, including 3,000 responsible for aerial surveillance, in addition to about 45,000 police and gendarmes.
The games will be from July 26 to August 10.