Božinović: Pripadnici ATJ Lučko su u Parizu, kreću s pripremama za mimohod

Minister of Internal Affairs Davor Božinović confirmed on Monday that members of Croatia’s special police unit, the Anti-Terrorism Unit Lučko, have arrived in Paris and are preparing for participation in a military parade scheduled for July 14. The minister reiterated his earlier stance that Croatian soldiers should have been part of the event, which commemorates France's national holiday, Bastille Day. According to Božinović, the unit has been in Paris since yesterday and is currently undergoing preparations alongside personnel from other nations participating in the parade. The military parade in Paris is traditionally held on July 14 to mark the French Revolution’s anniversary. It involves troops from multiple countries, including NATO allies and European Union member states. In recent years, Croatia has participated in such events with its military contingent, though this year’s involvement was marked by controversy. President of the Republic and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, had previously ordered the armed forces not to take part in the parade, citing security concerns and logistical challenges. Božinović addressed the issue during a meeting with the leadership of the Homeland Party ahead of the party’s executive committee session. He emphasized that while the decision to exclude the military was made, the presence of the anti-terrorism unit in Paris was still relevant. “What concerns the police, members of the special police, the anti-terrorism unit Lučko, have been in Paris since yesterday and are preparing, just like members of the army from each country participating in the parade,” he stated. He added that the unit’s deployment reflects the visibility of the armed forces and their role in international cooperation. The anti-terrorism unit Lučko is one of Croatia’s most specialized military formations. It operates under the Ministry of Interior and is known for its expertise in counterterrorism operations. Unlike traditional military units, Lučko is primarily composed of civilian police officers trained in tactical and operational roles. Its participation in international events is often viewed as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to global security efforts. In contrast, the decision to exclude the broader military contingent from the parade sparked debate among officials and public figures. Some argued that the absence of the armed forces diminished Croatia’s diplomatic presence, particularly given the country’s strategic position in Southeast Europe. Others supported the president’s decision, citing the need for careful coordination with French authorities regarding security protocols and logistics. Separately, Božinović highlighted ongoing efforts in an international operation against human trafficking, involving 59 countries, including Croatia. During this operation, three individuals were arrested. He noted that success in such cross-border initiatives depends heavily on real-time data exchange and collaborative analysis. “It would have been extremely difficult for any single country to achieve these results without effective information sharing and analytical support,” he remarked. He also mentioned that approximately 8,000 Croatian police officers contributed to the operation. As the preparations for the military parade continue, the situation remains fluid. While the anti-terrorism unit Lučko is set to participate, the broader military’s involvement remains uncertain. The government will likely address the matter further in upcoming discussions, balancing national interests with international obligations. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all participants in the event.