Netherlands launches largest security operation in history ahead of NATO summit

According to the AP agency, thousands of military personnel and police officers will guard the city as part of a large-scale security operation called Orange Shield, and the daily lives of residents will change significantly.

Metal fences are being installed in many districts, roads are being blocked, and the airspace is being closed. Office workers in the city center are being advised to stay home, public transport routes are being changed, and parking near key sites is prohibited.

According to the organizers, this is the largest security operation ever conducted in the Netherlands. About 27,000 police officers—almost half of the country’s entire police force—will be involved, as well as more than 10,000 military personnel.

Military police will escort delegations, and the security lines will include frigate patrols in the North Sea, F-35 fighter jet and Apache helicopter flights, and air defense systems on standby.

Sappers will check event venues for explosives, and convoys of leaders will move along closed highways under military police escort—from airports to hotels.

In the summit zone and near important locations, the use of civilian drones is prohibited, while police and military will actively use their own drones to monitor the situation from the air.

Protests are also expected—a number of actions have already been announced, including an attempt to block one of the main highways into the city. Police and special forces units will be on standby.

In addition to visible security measures, the authorities are also preparing for cyber defense, though details of these actions are not being disclosed.

Former Dutch Prime Minister and current NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, known for cycling to his office, will this time be welcoming guests under unprecedented security.

• The NATO summit, which will take place on June 24-25 in The Hague, will be held in a significantly shortened format and will last less than a day.