Hong Kong's Inter-Departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU), composed of members from six law enforcement agencies, is set to conduct its first counter-terrorism drill at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday afternoon.
This marks the ICTU’s first large-scale inter-departmental exercise since Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced a “Three-tier Prevention Framework” in last year's Policy Address.
Aimed at enhancing the city’s readiness and coordination against potential terrorist activities, the drill will also feature a live broadcast to raise public awareness of counter-terrorism efforts.
According to a sneak peek by Sing Tao Probe, a sister publication of The Standard, the drill will simulate a scenario in which extremists plan a terrorist attack in Hong Kong. Following intelligence from the Correctional Services Department, citizen reports, and a police investigation, the ICTU initiates emergency preparations.
During the simulated operation, officers from the Immigration Department intercept suspects and discover armed associates. The police’s Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) and Emergency Unit then quickly neutralize the initial threat. The situation escalates when a suspicious backpack is found at the scene.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EOD) and the Fire Services Department promptly respond, deploying a robotic dog equipped with thermal imaging to assess the bag, along with a firefighting robot for safety. EOD officers then address the situation using a bomb disposal robot and handle evidence for further analysis.
However, the simulated threat transforms into a maritime chase and a hostage-taking incident, necessitating the involvement of the Government Flying Service and the police's Special Duties Unit for rescue operations.
The exercise will be broadcast live. Interested citizens can tune in on television at 2.30pm tomorrow (August 28) to witness how various departments work together to tackle the unfolding threats.
