In response to the recent increase in global tension due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel and maintaining the level 4 anti-terrorism alert, the Mossos d’Esquadra are reinforcing security in the region. This includes the quadrupling of protection for synagogues and the preparation of the largest mock terrorist attack in the history of Catalonia.
The drill is scheduled for the night of Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Sants station in Barcelona.
This operation will serve to implement police procedures and verify the effectiveness of security measures amid growing concern about possible jihadist attacks in the context of the Middle East conflict.
The chief commissioner of the Mossos d’Esquadra, Eduard Sallent, stressed that this drill will be the most complex and largest ever carried out in Catalonia. The simulation will involve multiple agencies, including public safety, public order, the Special Intervention Group (GEI) and territorial closure.
The stunt will take place between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. and will feature extras playing different roles.
Mossos increase protection to synagogues and other points in Catalonia
In addition to the drill, the Mossos have also reinforced security at critical points in Catalonia, such as the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and the Israeli consulate, as well as at synagogues, stores and entities related to the Jewish community.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel last October 7, the Mossos have spent more than 1,600 hours protecting synagogues and other Israel-related buildings, compared to 365 hours for the same period in 2022.
Despite these measures, the authorities maintain the level 4 out of 5 anti-terrorism alert in Catalonia. The Minister of the Interior, Joan Ignasi Elena, stressed the importance of citizens being informed and following the indications of the institutions.
The population was also asked not to be misinformed and to rely on official sources for accurate information on the situation.
Sallent pointed out that currently, 17% of the Mossos’ planned work is related to the anti-terrorism plan. From January to September, more than 635,000 hours were dedicated to this plan and 33,808 people were identified in prevention devices.
Seven level 3 devices, the highest level, were also deployed this year, including the Bruce Springsteen concert at the Palau Sant Jordi, in addition to 142 level 2 and 146 level 1 devices.
A programmed practice
This drill is not related to the current terrorist alert caused by the escalation of tension between Israel and Palestine, but is a practice scheduled by Civil Protection since the beginning of the year and that all public buildings must perform periodically.
It will be a complex exercise with levels of citizen security, public order, special intervention units and territorial closure.
