MORE SECURITY THAN DELEGATES AT DAVOS FOR W.E.F. MEETING

Security forces will outnumber visitors at Davos this week, with airspace restrictions and 5,000 armed personnel turning the Swiss ski resort into a fortress for the World Economic Forum.

Noting that “Switzerland is part of the western world, considered anti-islam by the jihadists, and is therefore also a possible target of terrorist attacks” most likely “by radicalised individuals in Switzerland”, an additional 5,000 armed personnel have been deployed for civil support duties.

The annual meeting will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May, along with 70 other heads of state, 38 global CEOS and 3,000 delegates and members of the media.

The airspace over and around Davos has been declared a no-fly zone, with aerial policing measures on standby from January 22 to January 27. Air traffic restrictions will apply to a radius of 25 nautical miles (around 46 km) around Davos, with similar restrictions over border areas in neighbouring Austria and Italy.

“Due in particular to the activities and planning by Islamic State, the terrorist threat in Switzerland remains high. The most likely threat comes in the form of attacks requiring minimum logistical planning, carried out by individuals or small groups,” a statement on the Federal Council website read.

Only people with security clearance and delegate passes can enter Davos, with visible police presence, intensive reconnaissance and police checks.