HK counter-terrorism unit conducts large-scale drill at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

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Hong Kong's Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU) conducted a major multi-agency anti-terrorism exercise at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday afternoon, marking the first large-scale drill since the city's leader announced a three-tiered prevention mechanism last year.

The Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU), comprising members from Hong Kong's six disciplinary services, carried out a cross-departmental anti-terrorism exercise at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal today at 2.30pm. 

This exercise represents the first major counter-terrorism drill since Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the establishment of a Three-tier Prevention Framework last year, aimed at enhancing interdepartmental coordination in handling terror intelligence and responding to terrorist incidents while raising public awareness of counter-terrorism efforts.

The simulation involved scenarios where extremists were planning terrorist attacks in Hong Kong. 

The ICTU initiated emergency preparedness measures based on intelligence referrals from the Correctional Services Department, reports from concerned citizens, and police investigations. 

During the exercise, Immigration Department officers intercepted suspected extremists at the cruise terminal, only to have accomplices suddenly appear armed with firearms. 

The situation was successfully contained through coordinated efforts between the Police Counter Terrorism Response Unit and police emergency units.

Simultaneously, officers discovered a suspicious backpack at the scene, prompting immediate deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau and Fire Services Department. 

The Fire Services Department utilized robotic dogs equipped with thermal imaging cameras to monitor the suspicious backpack while deploying firefighting robots to stand by and provide water jet support. 

Bomb disposal technicians then operated robotic units to safely destroy the hazardous materials on-site, with Government Laboratory personnel conducting further forensic examination.

The scenario further escalated into a maritime pursuit and hostage situation, with extremists setting fire to a vessel. 

The Special Duties Unit ultimately subdued the extremists, with firefighting vessels and Government Flying Service helicopters providing support for fire suppression and rescue operations.