HONG KONG, China (Reuters) — Hong Kong police units were put to the test in an anti-terror drill performed in front of media and senior police on Thursday (May 11).
In their ninth anti-terror exercise this year, Hong Kong police units, including more than 200 officers, responded to a mock scenario where terrorists – played by colleagues – drove a van into a crowd and held people hostage.
The scenario was part of the city’s largest anti-terror drill, a five-day exercise to ensure officers are able to react to any situation.
The large scale drill comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain, when Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit in July.
Hong Kong police said they hoped Thursday’s demonstration would help raise awareness and alertness among members of the public.
Hong Kong’s current terrorism threat level remains at “moderate.”
