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UK: Missiles Could Be Used To Protect Olympics


British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond
British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond
British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond says that ground-to-air missiles could be deployed to protect the 2012 Olympic Games in London if deemed necessary.

Hammond told Parliament on November 14 that, if the military recommends it, the missiles could be in place.

Thousands of British soldiers are likely to be posted at Olympic venues after a security review for the 2012 London Games showed that the authorities may need to double the number of guards at stadiums and other Olympic sites.

Security for the Olympics has been a critical -- and costly -- issue for the games ever since the slaying of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches at the 1972 Summer Games in Munich.

The London Games are seen as a potentially high security threat.

compiled from agency reports

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