The Counter Terrorism and Internal Security Division of the Operations Wing conducted a counter terrorism (CT) exercise, codenamed "BLAZELINE", at the Hong Kong Stadium on August 25. The exercise aimed at testing the Force's response in dealing with a CT incident, enhancing the inter-operability between the Force and the Fire Services Department, and heightening the overall CT awareness in the community.

Based on the mode of recent terror attacks that occurred at overseas sports and cultural events, the exercise simulated an improvised explosive device (IED) detonating at a spectator stand of a concert, followed by three terrorists with knives launching a marauding attack and killing and injuring spectators.

Officers of the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) and an Emergency Unit quickly arrived at the scene to neutralise the threat by way of Immediate Tactical Intervention. Apart from evacuating the uninjured and walking wounded, medically trained officers gave first aid to the seriously injured at scene before handing them to ambulance officers for further treatment. Bomb Disposal Officers were called to render safe a suicide explosive vest found on one of the terrorists. Finally, an explosive detection dog searched the spectator stands to ensure that there were no other IED in the venue.

Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Cheng Yiu-mo concluded that the exercise had achieved its primary objectives and heightened the CT awareness of the community. He also thanked the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for providing a large stadium for the event to enhance the realism of the exercise.