Residents in Liège next week might be surprised by the sight of military choppers overhead, or by the sound of shots being fired, as the local military command fights to defend a nearby fortress.
The Liège Military Command has nevertheless advised the population to keep calm, as the attack and defence operation on Fort Eben-Emael is part of a planned military drill that will take place from 22 to 23 May.Through a statement on Facebook, the Liège Military Command said residents from the communes of Bassenge, Oupeye and Vise would be the most likely to notice military action from the drill.
The exercise will see members of the military command navigate the Albert canal to arrive at the now-inactive fortress, initially built in the 1930s, when it was reputed as being impregnable.
Once there, an attack of the fortress will be simulated, and the command will fight to defend the structure, situated near the border with The Netherlands.
The exercise will then be finalised with an evacuation of several participants from the Glons local school building, located 11 km away from the fortress.
“Helicopter flyovers and shots could take place,” the command said in its statement, adding that residents should not be alarmed, and apologising for any inconveniences caused by the military exercise.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
