Large-scale interdepartmental counter-terrorism exercise BRAVELIGHT smoothly concludes (with photos/videos)
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The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre was activated during the exercise, overseen by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung.
Mr Lee said, “The global terrorism situation remains complex. As an international city, Hong Kong continues to enjoy overall safety and stability, but the threats posed by international and homegrown terrorism must not be neglected. Different policy bureaux and departments (B/Ds) of the HKSAR Government must strengthen their co-ordination and response capabilities to address various forms of terrorist attacks.
“During this large-scale CT exercise, each department performed its respective duties, fully demonstrating its professional competence in responding to terrorist incidents. The relevant departments will consolidate the experience gained to further strengthen the overall CT work of the HKSAR Government.”
About 500 personnel participated in the exercise. In addition to the Security Bureau and the six ICTU member departments, namely the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department, the Correctional Services Department, the Fire Services Department and the Government Flying Service, staff from the Marine Department, the Government Laboratory, the Hospital Authority and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal also actively participated and assisted in co-ordinating the exercise.
The ICTU attaches great importance to public engagement. For the first time, the exercise was broadcast live on television and online, enabling members of the public to observe in real time and further enhance their CT awareness. Nearly 200 volunteers from various community and youth organisations across different sectors and age groups were invited to participate in the exercise. Participants took on different roles in the exercise, gaining firsthand experience in applying the “Run, Hide, Report” emergency response advisory to protect themselves and others in critical situations.
To strengthen CT preparedness, the CE's 2024 Policy Address announced the establishment of the Three-tier Prevention Framework, comprising the Chief Executive Counter-terrorism Steering Group (CESG) at the first tier (top tier), which steers and formulates CT policies and directions; the Secretary for Security Counter-terrorism Co-ordinating Group at the second tier, which co-ordinates B/Ds' co-operation on CT matters; and seven interdepartmental working groups at the third tier, which follow up on specific studies and carry out CT work. Mr Lee directed at the first CESG meeting that relevant B/Ds should conduct a large-scale interdepartmental CT exercise to further enhance the HKSAR Government's CT preparedness and response capabilities. The HKSAR Government will also organise different types of CT exercise from time to time, based on risk assessments and various factors.
Under the co-ordination of the Three-tier Prevention Framework, relevant B/Ds will continue to strengthen their CT preparedness in various areas, including enhancing intelligence exchange, expanding community intelligence networks, preventing radicalisation, enhancing public education and organising diverse CT exercises to foster collaboration between departments and private/public stakeholders, as well as bolster the overall defence capabilities of Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, August 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:05
Issued at HKT 17:05
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