200 cops storm City Hall in anti-terrorism exercise

More than 200 police officers took part in a counter-terrorism exercise at Hong Kong City Hall early yesterday morning in which they simulated terrorists launching an attack during a large-scale celebration.

Officers from the Operations Bureau, Emergency Unit and Police Tactical Unit of Hong Kong Island Region, regular and auxiliary police officers of Central District, and Counter Terrorism Response Unit participated in the exercise, codenamed "PURPLEFLAME."

A number of students also actively participated in the exercise.

The exercise simulated that several terrorists broke into City Hall, where a large-scale celebration was taking place, and launched a terrorist attack.

Officers swiftly made tactical interventions and subdued the terrorists to rescue citizens, evacuate members of the public, and resolve the crisis.

In addition to the crackdown on the terrorists, the exercise also focused on the rescue of victims and appeasing panic among members of the public.

The anti-terrorism drill was designed with reference to incidents, such as the 2015 Paris theater terrorist attack and the 2017 Manchester concert bombing. The scenarios include a music hall and an exhibition hall.

"The terrorists typically target crowded, enclosed spaces and events on festive occasions," said the Regional Commander (HK Island) of Hong Kong Police Force Kwok Ka-chuen.

"This time we simulate the real-life occasions of a music hall with performance ongoing and exhibition with live activities when terrorist attacks happen," he explained.

The chief and members of the delegation of the Volunteer Special Constabulary of the Singapore Police Force, and the Chairman and members of the Wan Chai District Fight Crime Committee were invited to observe the exercise and visit the new mobile command post.

The new mainland-manufactured command station, which can be assembled within 13 minutes using an electric air pump, is waterproof, fireproof, and UV-resistant, making it suitable for different climates and geographical environments.

The new command post is equipped with 5G internet for electronic devices. Ventilation facilities and fans are also included to ensure suitable temperature at the station.

Multiple stations can be connected if needed, making it applicable in areas where a mobile command vehicle may not be applicable in the future.

Through the exercise, the police aimed at enhancing the communication and response capabilities of officers in dealing with terrorist attacks, testing the collaboration capabilities of frontline units, as well as elevating the counter-terrorism awareness of the participating students.

The police reminded members of the public to adopt the safety advice of "Run, Hide, and Report" in emergency situations, which suggested people leaving via a safe route, or hide in a lockable room, and call 999 for assistance when they are safe.