09 Apr 2019 | 05:26 PM UTC
Albania: Robbery reported at Tirana International Airport April 9
Armed man illegally access tarmac at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) April 9 in suspected robbery; at least one assailant killed in subsequent shootout
Event
Armed men reportedly broke through security barriers at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) on Tuesday, April 9, in what police described as a cash heist. Unconfirmed reports claim the gunmen broke through a fire entrance at the airport and held up an aircraft transporting cash destined for Vienna (Austria), before fleeing. It is not immediately clear if the gunmen targeted the aircraft or a van transporting the cash.
Police reportedly shot and killed one assailant during a subsequent chase on a secondary road; the suspect was found with an assault rifle, ammunition, and grenades. At least three other gunmen are still at large. Flight disruptions are possible as a result of the incident.
Context
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 and report any suspicious objects or behavior to local authorities.
