Geneva residents shocked by fighter jets and tanks

Piranha Amoured Vehicle (c) MOWAG

Geneva residents were given a shock yesterday afternoon – but were reassured everything was planned.

First, two F18 fighters screeched over the canton, but that was part of a normal training exercise by the army. 

But then above Vessy, helicopters with searchlights flew over a convoy of police cars accompanied by a piranha amoured vehicle.

Geneva police say the operation was part of a long-term plan to move a high-risk prisoner from Champ-Dollon to another facility.

The police refused to reveal the identity of the prisoner. 

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