May 1, 2012: British army personnel leave residential apartments in Bow, east London, where the Ministry to Defense plans to place surface-to-air missiles during the Summer Olympics.
LONDON – Trucks carrying uniformed soldiers on Tuesday fanned out around a London apartment block where the Ministry of Defense plans to place surface-to-air missiles during the Summer Olympics.
Residents at the apartments in the east London neighborhood of Bow -- about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from London's Olympic Stadium -- said several trucks carrying soldiers arrived Tuesday morning.
An Associated Press photographer saw soldiers leaving the gated community.
Troops plan to conduct tests this week at the apartment block to determine if the high velocity surface-to-air missiles will be stationed on a water tower attached to the site's roof.
If the government gives the go-ahead, the missiles would be in place for the duration of the Olympics.
Britain's defense ministry has handed out leaflets telling residents that weapons and soldiers could be based in their community for around two months. London is hosting the Summer Olympics from July 27-Aug. 12.
Britain's Ministry of Defense said the soldiers were preparing for operations that will test how Olympic organizers cope with security tests. The tests of security and logistics in and around the Olympic park begins Wednesday.
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