Hong Kong to conduct first anti-terror drill supervised by John Lee on Thursday
Exercise serves as a warning to terrorists and reassures Hongkongers that the government is fully equipped to respond to threats, analyst says
Hong Kong authorities will conduct their first counterterrorism drill overseen by the city’s leader on Thursday afternoon, featuring a live broadcast and the largest-ever public participation in such an exercise, the Post has learned.
More than 500 government officers will participate in the exercise, with 200 members of the public observing and taking part, according to a source. The drill, code-named “Bravelight”, will be held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
“This exercise will mark the first activation of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung personally overseeing the operation,” the source said.
About two weeks ago, Lee chaired the first meeting of a high-level counterterrorism steering group and subsequently ordered a large-scale attack simulation to be held this month.
Following the meeting, a government spokesman said that officials had reviewed global and local threats, as well as authorities’ directions and strategies for counterterrorism efforts.
The source added that those mobilised for the drill would include officers from the six disciplined services, government chemists, and staff from the Hospital Authority and the Security Bureau. More than 100 residents would also take part in the exercise, with another 100 observing on-site.