From September on military presence will be reduced in train and metro stations

As of September, the military will gradually end their patrols in train stations and metro stations, reported the Flemish news channel, VTM.

This reduction in military presence is on the agenda of the National Security Council, which brings together representatives of the government, the police, the judiciary and the intelligence services. This body will have to give the go-ahead to the measure.

Military surveillance missions will be taken over by the federal police. According to Defense Minister Steven Vandeput (N-VA), this decision had been taken a long time ago.

“The reduction of military patrols will be conducted in consultation with the police and the security services and will not be at the expense of security,” said the minister.

Military presence will remain in a series of strategic places, such as the Rue de la Loi, various embassies, Jewish and international institutions.