Turkey: squad of 25 top guards to protect pope

A special squad of 25 top guards will keep watch over Benedict XVI during his visit to Turkey, set to take place from 28 November to 1 December.

The Zaman daily reported today that the Security Directorate “is working to prevent a possible breach in security” and has decided that a special team of 25 highly trained professionals will guard the pope. These guards had security training abroad and know foreign languages.

The security team will also be outfitted with concealed bullet-proof vests.

Also for security reasons, the precise itinerary and details of the trip of Benedict XVI have not been published and the Turkish foreign ministry will only be informed about the pope’s program 48 hours before his visit.

Over 6,000 police officers will be deployed in Istanbul and Ankara.