Dutch military reservists to conduct security exercises in Leiderdorp

Approximately 125 reservists from the Royal Netherlands Army, specifically the 20th Infantry Battalion Guard Protect National Reserve (20 IBB KNR), will conduct training exercises on October 30 and 31. The drills will take place in Leiderdorp and in parts of Kaag en Braassem.

The training focuses on guarding and protecting important buildings and facilities, patrolling, reconnaissance, recognizing suspicious situations, and responding to various incidents. While security operations will be practiced 24 hours a day, nighttime activities will be limited to minimize disturbance to residents. No helicopters or heavy military vehicles will be used.

According to local authorities, the exercises are a response to the changing security situation in Europe. The training aims to ensure military preparedness and to help municipalities and emergency services prepare for potential threats such as sabotage or disruption of critical infrastructure. Mayor Tjarda Struik requested Defense assistance for these preparations. Residents may see military jeeps and hear noise from blank ammunition during the exercises.