The Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU) conducted a counter-terrorism (CT) exercise codenamed “TIGERPACE” at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station on November 19.

About 300 officers from ICTU’s member departments participated in the exercise, including the Customs and Excise Department, the Correctional Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department. The Government Laboratory and the MTR Corporation Limited also provided full support and assistance to the exercise.

The exercise comprised two parts. The first part simulated the interception of two members of a terrorist cell, who attempted to launch attacks in Hong Kong, at the arrival and departure halls of the West Kowloon Station respectively. The second part simulated the pursuit of a wanted vehicle of the cell in Tai Kok Tsui area and an operation to subdue the two remaining terrorists who launched attacks with firearms and a chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear device at the Green Plaza outside the West Kowloon Station.

Senior Superintendent of ICTU Leung Wai-ki stated that the exercise aimed to test and enhance the departments’ capabilities in dealing with terrorism-related intelligence and responding to different forms of terrorist attacks, as well as to demonstrate the importance of concerted efforts and coordination by all stakeholders on CT work.

ICTU also took the opportunity to promote the CT message of “Spot and Report” among the general public. Drawing from foreign countries’ experiences in stopping terrorist attacks, in particular self-radicalised lone-wolf attacks, tragedy could often be avoided if the local communities could provide useful information timely to the law enforcement agencies.

ICTU will continue to step up public education and publicity work to call on the assistance of the whole community to counter terrorism and ensure the safety of Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Mr Tang Ping-keung (first row, first right) and Commissioner Siu Chak-yee (first row, second right) and officers observe the exercise on scene.

Senior Superintendent of ICTU Leung Wai-ki disseminates the CT message of “Spot and Report” to the public.

Officers of the Counter Terrorism Response Unit participate in the exercise.

Officers of the Emergency Unit intercept a suspicious vehicle and successfully subdue a terrorist.

An officer of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau handles a chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear device.

Firemen carry out decontamination procedures for contaminated persons with the portable decontamination shower.

Officers from the Customs and Excise Department, the Correctional Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Government Laboratory and the MTR Corporation Limited participate in the exercise.