Prague, Sept 21 (CTK) – Some 500 Czech police and 300 soldiers will take part in a joint exercise of the military and police for border protection against migration, though the exact date has not yet been set, police spokeswoman Jana Macalikova told journalists Monday.
The exercise is to test the border protection if the migration wave increases, Macalikova said.
“The decision on its date is yet to be made, but it is being planned for the end of September,” she added.
It will be a one-day exercise at the border with Austria, that is over 460 kilometres long and includes 20 border crossings, Macalikova said.
The police and soldiers will test their preparation for a reintroduction of border controls.
“We will also test the system of command and communications,” police president Tomas Tuhy said, adding that the talks on the exercise would continue.
“Up to 300 troops will be set aside for the exercise,” chief of staff Josef Becvar said.
“The exercise will involve a transfer of selected forces and means to the areas in question and practical coordination in the fulfilment of the tasks to protect the state border under the guidance of the Czech police,” he added.
Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky said earlier the military was ready for deploying equipment, including a helicopter, aircraft and Iveco vehicles with detection technologies and night vision tools.
In the first seven months of the year, the number of migrants entering the Czech Republic grew by more than 109 percent. In January-August, 6092 foreigners were registered on Czech territory, which is 3214 more than in the same period last year.
The Czech Republic rejects the redistribution quotas for refugees suggested by the EU.
