Minister of the Interior: We have increased security at airport and seaport in Tallinn
In response to explosions at Brussels’ airport and metro this morning, the Minister of the Interior and Director of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) decided to increase security at Tallinn Airport and Old City Harbour.
"We are receiving more news from Brussels, and we must be vigilant and keep an eye on what is going on,” said Minister of the Interior Hanno Pevkur to television broadcast “Aktuaalne kaamera”. “On our part we have increased security at the airport and at the Old City Harbour passenger port.” Pevkur added that they had already appointed a rapid response unit together with police dogs to the situation.
“The next few hours will show us whether we need to make any further decisions or whether this will be enough for now,” Pevkur explained. “We are monitoring developments in Brussels, based upon which we can decide if and for how long we should keep up increased security in the airport and passenger port.”
According to the minister, there is no possible justification for such a brutal attack. “Our job in Europe is to stand united against all kinds of terrorism,” said Pevkur. “If needed, we are prepared to offer Belgium assistance in the investigation of these crimes.”
Valdo Põder, operational manager of the North Prefecture of the PPA, reported that police have increased visible presence in Tallinn’s seaport and airport in response to the attacks in Brussels.
“The additional patrols are tasked with ensuring security and increased readiness,” explained Põder. “Likewise we are participating in an active exchange of information with international partners, and as needed we will refine the profiles of persons upon whom we will be performing additional security checks at the seaport and airport.”
Despite the increase in security at Tallinn Airport and Old City Harbour, according to the Estonian Internal Security Service the country’s terrorist threat level has not increased.
Further information about the attacks in Brussels can be read here.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik
Source: "Aktuaalne kaamera"