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SINGAPORE: Singapore's response to a simulated land and sea assault by terrorists on the resort island of Sentosa was tested in the final phase of Exercise Northstar VII on Wednesday morning.
This year's exercise re-created simultaneous terror attacks, similar to the Mumbai incident last November.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who witnessed it with several ministers responsible for security in the country, said the exercise tests the readiness of the security forces to save lives.
The scenario of the exercise: Three terrorists infiltrate Singapore's territorial waters in a motorised boat, but their attempt is met with a swift response. Later, more terrorists make their way to the Siloso Beach and go on a rampage.
Mr Lee said: "In Mumbai, to get to the hotels and the targets, the terrorists had to come by boat, land, lug heavy knapsacks, go through the streets. A lot of people must have seen them, but the authorities didn't get the warning in time and couldn't react quickly enough to prevent it from happening.
"You must carry on living life as normal, but at the same time always keep an eye open and be slightly suspicious and vigilant. So if you see a bag which you think is doubtful or if you see some people whom you think are doubtful, let somebody know and we will have it investigated."
During the simulated exercise, the police tactical team was the first to swing into action, followed by the Singapore Armed Forces' Special Operations Task Force. They pursued a few terrorists who managed to enter the hotel's ballroom and take several hostages.
Colonel Benedict Lim, Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations), said: "In a counter-terrorist situation, the Special Operations Task Force is the force at the national level to conduct storming operations to neutralise the terrorists and to rescue the hostages."
PM Lee stressed that the responses by the various agencies were the outcome of many years of building up capabilities and training people.
"We have spent a long time doing this and that is what our safety, security, peace of mind, stability and prosperity depend on, and we are very grateful to the Home Team and the SAF for keeping us safe," he said.
Besides the various agencies involved in Exercise Northstar VII, the private sector – particularly the hotel management – also played an important role by working closely with security agencies in the safety and evacuation drills.
The exercise was conducted at ten different locations, including a shopping mall and an MRT station, in two phases.
- CNA/yb/so
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