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Mossos deploy 5,600 officers to secure Pope's visit to Catalonia

An unprecedented operation, with a 24-hour control center, will ensure the Pontiff's security between June 9th and 11th.

Generic image of police emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night.
IA

Generic image of police emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night.

The Mossos d’Esquadra have activated 'operation Albus', an unprecedented security operation to ensure the Pontiff's visit to Catalonia between June 9th and 11th, involving 5,600 officers and a permanent coordination center.

Security during the Pope's visit to Catalonia, scheduled from June 9th to 11th, will be led by the Mossos d’Esquadra with an exceptional deployment. Approximately 5,600 officers, 25% of the force, have been mobilized, and a 24-hour operational coordination center (CECOR) has been established in Egara, running from the Pontiff's arrival on Monday, June 8th, until his departure.
The master plan, codenamed 'operation Albus', has been designed over months in collaboration with other police forces, emergency services, and institutions. The forecast of massive attendance, the international dimension of the event with over 1,600 accredited journalists, and the current level 4 anti-terrorist alert have driven a comprehensive operation of unprecedented complexity in Barcelona.
The operation will cover eight key areas: protection of dignitaries, security at mass events, mobility, airspace control, cybersecurity, police intelligence, accreditation system, and citizen communication. Security will not only cover the Pope but also institutional authorities, international delegations, entourages, and related infrastructure.
The CECOR, located at the central complex in Egara, will bring together commanders from the Mossos d’Esquadra with representatives from the Barcelona Urban Guard, National Police, Civil Guard, and Civil Protection. From here, the Pontiff's movements, various scenarios, and any incidents will be monitored in real-time.
The deployment will include personnel from all specializations, including units such as GEI, Tedax, canine handlers, the Air Unit, and underground units. Special attention will be paid to air control for potential threats, including unauthorized drone use. Cybersecurity and police intelligence will also be fundamental pillars to ensure the smooth functioning of communications and threat assessment.
Strategic points under maximum surveillance include the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Episcopal Palace, the church of Sant Agustí, and the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. There will also be a specific deployment at Can Brians and the abbey of Montserrat.
These locations will have security rings, access filters, and reinforced police presence, leading to mobility restrictions. Access will only be granted with accreditation, and the use of public transport is recommended. The area around the Sagrada Familia will be particularly sensitive during the planned papamobile route.

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