ATHENS (Reuters) - Athens has begun a three-day Olympics security drill focusing on nuclear, biological and chemical threats to the Greek capital during the Games.
More than 1,100 police, coast guards and military and medical personnel are taking part in operation "Blue Odyssey", described by Greek newspapers as the biggest of its kind staged in Europe.
Rescue and protection scenarios in case of an unconventional attack during the August 13-29 Games stretched 40 km (25 miles) along Athens' southern coastline, from the port of Piraeus to the seaside suburb of Anavissos.
"There could be as many as 100 points where the exercise is taking place simultaneously," police chief Fotis Nasiakos said on Friday. "There is not just one specific location."
The drill is one of dozens planned during the six months leading up to the Games and is so far the largest test of security against a threat from weapons of mass destruction.
Greece has set up a seven-nation Olympic security group of Britain, the United States, Israel, France, Germany, Spain and Australia to help it guard the Games.
Authorities have kept the drill scenario secret and have ordered media to stay away, but officials said it was taking place on land and at sea.
The Olympics organisers are budgeting an unprecedented 650 million euros (355 million pounds) for security measures.
After the U.S.-led war on Iraq and twin bombings in neighbouring Turkey last year, organisers have further beefed up their plan with extra security staff and equipment.
Public Order Minister George Floridis told Reuters on Thursday Greece would get from Russia several mobile laboratories capable of testing for nuclear, chemical and biological agents ahead of the Games.