Anti-terror gun cops patrolling Alps amid fears jihadis are targeting ski resorts popular with Brit holidaymakers
Security experts warn a terror attack in the mountains could take many lives and trigger devastating avalanches
COPS have launched a major security operation in the Alps amid fears extremists are planning on targeting ski resorts popular with Brits.
Anti-terror police have descended on holiday airports, bars and restaurants in popular resorts as part of Operation Sentinel.
Security presence in these venues has also been beefed up, following experts’ warnings that an attack on the French pistes could trigger devastating avalanches.
France is already under a state emergency following a spate of deadly attacks in Paris and Nice.
Speaking on the risk, chief security expert Will Geddes, of the International Corporate Protection agency,: “The military and police presence has been flooded right across France.
“They are particularly concerned about any location where there’s going to be a congregation of international visitors.
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“It could be a tourist area or one seen as a soft target.
“Bearing in mind it’s peak ski season, officials want to make sure there is a heightened security presence.”
Anti-terror cops with machine guns have been seen patrolling Chambery Airport, which is one of the small international hubs to service France’s major Alpine resorts.
Staff at one bar in Val Thornes, called 360, channelled skiers through mesh wire entrance tunnels, and even searched backpacks for weapons or devices.
Security experts have warned that a lone wolf attack in the mountains could take many lives.
Mr Geddes added: “There is a real risk of a terror attack being a double threat with avalanches.
“If there was a situation where the military had gone into some sort of gun battle, they would have to be very cautious about where they could safely deploy without the sound repercussion causing an avalanche.
“And if there was to be a major bomb detonation, that would be a huge concern. It is a very complicated situation.”
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