Illustrative stock photo (source: Sme)
In response to the March 22 terrorist attacks in Brussels and the subsequent worsened security situation in Europe, Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák declared the second, increased degree of terrorist threat in Slovakia. It came into effect on March 23 at midnight, the SITA newswire reported.
The decision follows the recommendation of the expert group for coordination of exchange and analysis of information and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which runs alongside the committee of Slovakia’s Security Council for coordination of intelligence services and the Council of the National Security Analytical Centre.
Slovakia has declared the second degree of threat in case there was a terrorist attack or attempted terrorist attack in any of the EU or NATO member states and its consequences may impact the country, its citizens or its interests. The possibility of attacking Slovakia, however, is still low though such possibility cannot be ruled out completely. The country can declare the second degree also in case other countries are attacked by terrorists to a similar extent, as reported by SITA.
Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels, which claimed at least 30 casualties and some 230 injured, the Security Council of Slovakia was convened. Slovakia adopted the same measures as in the case of November attacks in Paris. Security forces monitor traffic junctions like airports and railway stations, as well as cultural and sporting events.
There are also more police officers in the streets, SITA wrote.
