Israel-Hamas war prompts Tarragona police to reinforce security of critical infrastructure

Spanish police, the Guardia Civil, have increased security measures at critical infrastructure in Tarragona this year. 

Ongoing international conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have prompted the move. 

Police have heightened vigilance at the Port of Tarragona, Reus Airport, and the Ascó and Vandellòs nuclear power plants. 

"We received instructions from the secretary of state to reinforce certain specific objectives, closely linked to the Israel situation, but also due to what is happening in other countries," Jordi Verger, the lieutenant colonel of the Tarragona command, told the Catalan News Agency. 

A new Citizen Security unit with 25 officers due to be deployed soon will work at these key locations.   

The 25 agents have been training for their new role since October and are expected to be operational by mid-January. 

"There are times when at these points there is an increase in either the threat or a specific event that forces us to reinforce or increase the level of security," Verger said. 

More patrols 

In October, Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra police increased security patrols for Catalonia's Jewish community after the war in Israel began. Expanded police security units were deployed to buildings such as the Israeli consulate and synagogues.   

Police also announced plans to step up anti-terrorist patrols in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, at sites including FC Barcelona's temporary home at the Olympic Stadium.