Britain to Have 13,500 Troops on Duty for Olympics
Britain will have 13,500 troops deployed on land, at sea and in the skies to help protect next summer's Olympics.
Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed in a statement that Typhoon fighter jets, helicopters and two warships will all be on duty to guard against security threats to the 2012 London Games.
Hammond indicated soldiers would take a key role in tackling possible threats from car bombs or other attempted terrorist attacks.
Britain's government said it expects the terror threat level to be set at "severe" during the July 27-Aug.12 Olympics, meaning an attempted attack is judged to be highly likely.
Troops would be on duty in several cities, including key venues in London, aboard boats along the River Thames, and in the coastal city of Weymouth where sailing events will take place.
The military will provide "an enhanced level of capability and response, including ordnance disposal, military working dogs and the capability to search vehicles and buildings," Hammond said.
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