12 Apr 2019 | 10:14 AM UTC
Albania: Military takes over security at Tirana airport April 10 /update 1
Albanian government deploys military personnel to provide security at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) on April 10 following armed robbery
Event
On Wednesday, April 10, Albania's Defense Minister Olta Xhacka announced that military personnel have been deployed to provide security at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). Xhacka said that members of the military police and special forces will be stationed along TIA's security fence. The increased security measures were introduced after an armed robbery on TIA's tarmac on Tuesday, April 9. A heightened security presence is expected around TIA in the coming weeks.
Context
Unidentified gunmen seized bags of cash being loaded into a plane destined for Vienna (Austria) on April 9. Security personnel engaged the assailants as the fled the area, killing one person before they escaped. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Thieves have targeted multiple flights transferring cash at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) in recent years; gunmen stole EUR 3.2 million in a similar robbery in February 2017, as well as nearly EUR 1 million in June 2016 in a separate incident.
Advice
Individuals traveling via TIA are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, and report any suspicious objects or behavior to local authorities.
