The Swiss army sends 4,000 reinforcements to guarantee the security of the G7 | RTS

“The main task of the army will be to unload the civilian security organs of the French-speaking cantons during the demonstration, so that the police can concentrate on their mission,” said the Defense Group in a press release on Thursday. This includes ensuring the protection of sensitive structures such as Geneva airport and supporting the protection of borders.

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The Air Force will also strengthen the armed air police service. Airspace restrictions will be in place from June 10 to 18. An increase in air traffic in the Lausanne region should be expected. The army will also participate in the surveillance of Lake Geneva and the main roads. It will be ready to provide air transport for intervention forces.

No order service

It will also provide its capabilities in the cyber domain, defense against drones and NBC protection (nuclear, biological and chemical). The security service is explicitly excluded: it is the responsibility of the cantons and their civil security bodies to guarantee order and security, recalls the Defense Group.

The Federal Council approved at the end of January the subsidiary commitment of a force which could go beyond 2,000 soldiers, but limited to 5,000 in support service. Parliament followed the government. The request for reinforcement came from the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais, on the front line to guarantee the security of the international event.

In Geneva, all 1,500 police officers will be mobilized. In addition to their Vaudois and Valais colleagues, reinforcements from other cantonal police forces are guaranteed. Heavy six-ton ​​German water cannons are also expected as reinforcements.

ats/asch