SAF Conducts Counter-Terrorism Exercise in the City

04 Agustus 2021

Troopers from the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) conducted a counter-terrorism exercise (all photos : Sing Mindef)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) successfully conducted a counter-terrorism exercise at the F1 Pit Building from 2 to 3 August 2021.

The exercise was led by the SAF's Special Operations Task Force (SOTF), with personnel from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defence Group (CBRE DG) and the Medical Response Force (MRF). Assets deployed for the exercise included Super Puma helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Designed to strengthen the SAF's response to terrorism threats and related incidents, the exercise scenario required the deployed forces to respond to a simulated hostage situation and neutralise threats swiftly within the F1 Pit Building. The realistic training setting tested the SAF's operational readiness and the exercise was conducted with high precision.

The SAF continues to train and conduct exercises regularly to ensure that it remains operationally ready to safeguard Singapore's sovereignty and security. Counter-terrorism exercises in urban settings allow the SAF to train effectively and realistically to strengthen its capabilities in homeland security operations. The SAF stands ready to deal with a spectrum of threats to defend Singapore and our way of life, even amidst the COVID-19 situation.

(Sing Mindef)

Singapore Conducts Counter Terror Exercise

27 Oktober 2017

The RSN's Independence-class LMV RSS Independence (back) in close support, as the Police Coast Guard (PCG)'s PK-class High Speed Interceptors (left and right) intercept an infiltrating speedboat (centre) at Ex Highcrest 2017. (photos : Sing Mindef)

National Agencies and Public Systems Tested in Maritime Security Exercise

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman visited Exercise Highcrest 17 this morning and witnessed the capabilities of the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre (SMCC) to counter terrorist threats from the sea. Held from 19 to 26 October 2017, the exercise involved about 300 personnel from 14 national agencies, including the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs (SC), and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The exercise tested these agencies on a range of maritime terrorism scenarios, including an infiltration from sea, and a chemical attack on board a ferry.

During the visit, SMCC's Director of National Maritime Sense-making Group, Colonel Nicholas Lim, updated Dr Maliki on how the SMCC achieves timely identification of threats through its suite of surveillance, sense-making and data analytics capabilities. Dr Maliki also observed the RSN's Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel and the Police Coast Guard's PT-class Patrol Interdiction Boat and PK-class High Speed Interceptors working together to prevent an infiltration attempt by terrorists via speedboats. The demonstration also showcased how a report through the SGSecure App was used to corroborate the presence of a terror threat, and the deployment of the SPF's Coastal Hardening Strike Force in apprehending the perpetrators.

Also present at the exercise visit were Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong as well as representatives of the Homefront Crisis Executive Group (Maritime Security).

(Sing Mindef)

ADF have Completed Anti Terrorism Exercise IRON MOON 2013

01 Oktober 2013

Exercise IRON MOON enhanced the ADF's maritime counter-terrorism capability (MCT) through rehearsing maritime interdiction and recovery operations off North West Australia. (all photos : Aus DoD)

Exercise IRON MOON 2013 concludes in Australia’s North West

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have completed Exercise IRON MOON 2013, a two week Maritime Counter Terrorism training exercise in the waters off Exmouth and Dampier in North West Australia.

The annual exercise involved several hundred personnel from across Defence and Australian federal and state civilian agencies. The exercise is designed to enhance and validate the ADF Maritime Counter Terrorism response capability in the most realistic environment possible.

Commodore Peter Lockwood, Senior Defence Officer Western Australia, said the Special Operations Command-led exercise, which concluded on 29 September 2013, was one of a number of ADF exercises and operations in Australia’s North West region this year as part of the Australian Government’s maritime security framework.

“The ADF, and in particular our Special Forces, has a long history of exercising on and aroundAustralia’s Offshore Energy Installations since the early 1980’s, but the multi-agency aspect of more recent exercises is important in sharpening our joint security response skills,” Commodore Lockwood said.

“This year’s exercise, held in the maritime zone around theNorth West, rehearsed a range of scenarios focused on maritime disruption and recovery operations in the event of a significant threat against offshore resource interests.”

Commodore Lockwood highlighted how critical these training exercises are in supportingAustralia’s national interests.

“The ADF plays a very important role inAustralia’s national security and exercises like IRON MOON enable us to maintain and continually develop our capabilities so that we can effectively respond to and resolve potential threats related toAustralia’s off-shore interests.”

“I would like to thank local residents, businesses and industry for their cooperation and support during this important training,” Commodore Lockwood said.

Exercise IRON MOON 2013 is one of a series of Navy, Army and Air Force exercises planned for the North West this year. Defence provides a range of maritime, land and air surveillance and response capabilities in support of government efforts to provide security for this strategically and economically important region.

(Aus DoD)

Tangkal Teroris, Indonesia-Malaysia Latihan Bersama

08 Juni 2013

Upacara pembukaan Latihan Gabungan Bersama Malaysia Indonesia Darat Samudera Angkasa di Lanud Soewondo Polonia Medan. (photo : TNI, Kompas, MyJointForce)

MEDAN, KOMPAS.com - Tentara Nasional Indonesia dan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) menggelar Latihan Gabungan Bersama Malaysia Indonesia Darat Samudera Angkasa (Latgabma Malindo Darsasa) - 8AB/2013 di Medan mulai Jumat (7/6/2013) hingga Rabu (12/6/2013) mendatang.

Tujuannnya untuk memadukan kekuatan kedua negara dalam mengatasi masalah di perbatasan dan wilayah tertentu yang di nilai terkait kepentingan bersama. Tahun ini, latihan difokuskan untuk tingkatan pasukan khusus.

"Latihan ini merupakan tindak lanjut dari keputusan bersama pada sidang high level committee beberapa waktu lalu. Khusus untuk pasukan khusus," kata Panglima TNI Laksamana Agus Suhartono seusai upacara pembukaan acara di Lanud Soewondo Polonia Medan, Jumat (7/6/2013).

Kedua pasukan akan menguji dan mengimplementasikan strategi penanggulangan teror. Latihan akan dimulai di pos komando. Selanjutnya, pada Selasa dan Rabu berlanjut di lapangan. Lokasinya di Belawan, Lanud Soewondo dan Hotel Arya Duta Medan.

"Sasarannya adalah pengujian bersama Protap 16 dan 18 penganggulangan teror," kata Agus.

Latihan ini melibatkan 1.228 personel dari kedua negara, terdiri dari 319 orang untuk Komando Gladi, 315 pelaku dan 594 pendukung. Masing-masing angkatan mengerahkan alutsista dan perlengkapannya untuk digunakan dalam latihan.

Angkatan Darat mengerahkan 1 heli Bell-412, 1 heli MI-17, 1 armour halilintar, 2 armour, 1 ambulans, 4 Land Rover Command, 2 truk 3 tin, 2 kendaraan anjing perang, 4 sepeda motor, 1 bus, 2 Decco trailer, 1 rantis, dan 2 truk NPS.

Sedangkan Angkatan Laut menyertakan KRI Makassar-590, KRI Imam Bonjol-383, 1 kapal sasaran (tanker), 4 sea rider, 4 rubber boat, 1 heli Bell, 1 heli Bolcow, 2 truk, 5 Land Rover, 1 ambulans. 

Sementara itu, Angkatan Udara mengerahkan Hercules C-130, 1 Boeing, 1 Fokker-28, 4 Ransus, 2 sepeda motor, 2 Komob, 2 bus, 2 truk, 1 mobil jihandak, 2 mobil PM, 1 mobil Damkar, dan 2 ambulans.

Sementara itu, Panglima ATM Jenderal Tan Sri Dato Sri Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin menilai kedua belah pihak siap mengikuti pelatihan ini. "Melihat kesiapan latihan, saya gembira. Saya percaya dan yakin, latihan akan terlaksana baik," katanya.

Sebelumnya, Direktur Latihan Malindo Darsasa-8AB/2013 Brigjen TNI Buyung Lalana mengatakan, masalah teroris identik dengan kemiskinan, kesenjangan sosial, marjinallisme dan radikalisme. TNI dan ATM menghimbau agar masyarakat tidak terpengaruh ajakan teroris.

Selain melakukan latihan, militer kedua negara itu juga akan menggelar pengobatan gratis bagi masyarakat Kota Medan. Pengobatan digelar di dua tempat dengan target 5.000 pasien, antara lain pengobatan gigi 200 pasien, pembagian kacamata 200 pasien, KB 200 pasien dan pembagian tangan serta kaki palsu untuk 200 orang.

"Kegiatan ini akan melibatkan 26 dokter umum, 8 dokter gigi dari TNI, ATM dan dokter dari Kota Medan," jelas Buyung.

(Kompas)

Counter-Terrorism Training Conducted in Melbourne

15 Agustus 2012

Tactical Assault Group East soldiers make preparations for an early morning Maritime Counter Terrorist exercise in Port Philip Bay, Victoria. Mid Caption: The Australian Army's domestic counter-terrorism response unit, the Tactical Assault Group East (TAG-E), supported by elements of the Australian Defence Force and several Victorian and Federal Government authorities, conducts maritime counter-terrorism and emergency response scenario training around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, between 27 July and 12 August 2012. (all photos : Aus DoD)

The Australian Army’s Special Operations Command has successfully completed maritime counter-terrorism and emergency response scenario training around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, between 29 July and 12 August.

The complex training exercise undertaken by the 2nd Commando Regiment’s Tactical Assault Group East involved several elements of the Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, as well as Victorian and Australian Government authorities, in challenging environmental conditions.

(Aus DoD)

SAF and TNI Conclude Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise

17 Juli 2012

Troops from the SAF and TNI using the Mobile Adjustable Ramp System to gain access to the upper levels of a building during the conduct of the Joint Counter-Terrorism exercise. (photo : Mindef)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) today concluded a Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) exercise held in Singapore from 14 to 16 July 2012. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong and Commander-in-Chief of the TNI Admiral (ADM) Agus Suhartono officiated at the closing ceremony at the Lim Chu Kang Training Area this morning. Prior to the closing ceremony, LG Neo and ADM Suhartono observed a combined CT demonstration by participating SAF and TNI troops.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, LG Neo noted that the success of the Joint CT exercise was "due to the collective effort and strong contributions from both militaries". He also added that the Joint CT exercise "is indeed a testament to the depth of our relationship and the familiarity of both armed forces working together". ADM Suhartono also highlighted that the Joint CT exercise has strongly motivated and encouraged the two countries to deeply understand the various aspects of counter-terrorism.

About 150 personnel from the SAF and the TNI participated in the three-day exercise, which included professional exchanges and component CT training.

The conduct of this joint CT exercise underscores the excellent and long-standing ties between the Singapore and Indonesian armed forces. Besides bilateral exercises, both militaries also engage in other professional exchanges and cross-attendance of professional courses. These regular interactions have served to enhance the close ties and mutual understanding between personnel of the two armed forces.

(Mindef)

New Maritime Security System Debuts at Exercise Northstar

29 November 2011

SOTF troopers storming the hijacked MV Avatar after rappelling from a Super Puma helicopter. (all photos : Mindef)

It looked like any ordinary commercial ship approaching Singapore's shores, but the seemingly innocuous merchant ship was on a sinister mission.

Initially bound for Port Klang, the merchant vessel MV Avatar was hijacked in the South China Sea.
Armed with explosives, the hijackers demanded the release of some detained terrorists. Failing which, they would sail the MV Avatar into Jurong Island and detonate the ship.

This was the scenario participants at Exercise Northstar VIII were faced with on 25 Nov. The exercise, which simulated multiple terrorist attacks at various locations in Singapore, was held from 10 to 25 Nov to test the whole-of-government approach in handling such emergencies.

In response to the hijacking simulation at sea, exercise participants despatched two patrol vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Police Coast Guard (PCG) to flank the MV Avatar while they negotiated with the hijackers.

When negotiations stalled and the MV Avatar proceeded at full speed towards Jurong Island, the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) moved in. The SOTF troopers approached via two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and a Super Puma helicopter, and proceeded to board and storm the ship while the another helicopter provided air cover.

The hijackers were subdued and control of the ship was gained four nautical miles (approximately 7.4 km) away from Jurong Island.

This successful operation was made possible through a well-oiled National Maritime Security System (NMSS). Involving various maritime security agencies, the new framework enables the early detection of maritime threats and provides a timely and coordinated response to these threats.

It comprises a National Maritime Sense-making Centre (NMSC), which collates and analyses maritime information round-the-clock, and a National Maritime Operations Group (NMOG), which carries out operations to neutralise maritime threats.

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean, who visited the final day of Exercise Northstar, also officially launched the Singapore Maritime Security Centre in Changi Naval Base.

After observing how the NMSS was tested through the simulated hijacking incident, he commented on the importance of the NMSS: "There's so much traffic in the maritime domain going on around us; we're one of the busiest ports in the world, so to be able to detect, sense-make and understand the threats developing and to pre-empt them before they occur is a very important first step.

"The second step is to be able to respond and interdict any such threats, and the final step... is to mitigate these threats if they do develop," he added.

Besides the sea simulation, Exercise Northstar also featured a chlorine leak simulation followed by blasts caused by vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Jurong Island on the same day. This simulation saw the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) containing the crisis, evacuating and treating casualties together with personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Ministry of Health.

Speaking to local media after observing the successful completion of the exercise, Mr Teo said: "This year's Exercise Northstar has tested our resilience in both the maritime and land domains... Exercises such as this are useful as they help all participating parties to be better prepared for any eventuality that may arise."

He also cautioned against complacency, saying: "We can never be too ready, so we always have to keep on practising. We must understand that the threats are unpredictable, so we cannot just be training for a specific threat, but we must have the flexibility to respond as the threats evolve."

This year's Exercise Northstar - the eighth in the series since it was started in 1997 - involved about 700 personnel from 18 agencies, including the SAF, SCDF, Singapore Police Force, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Customs.

Besides Mr Teo, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman and senior officials from various ministries were also present to witness the exercise.

(Mindef)

Anti-Terrorism Academy Proposed for Langkawi

29 Agustus 2010

SF troopers fast-roping from a Nuri helicopter (photo : Malaysian Defence)

LANGKAWI : An academy will be set up on the island to fight terrorism and other global crimes, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the ministry had agreed to use the spacious 202ha Langkawi International Shooting Range here as the centre for the proposed academy.

"The shooting range will be used as a training ground, a research center and to host meeting by enforcement and intelligence agencies from around the world.

"The Ministry is currently finetuning the proposal, which will be presented to the Cabinet soon", he told reporters after chairing a meeting with department leaders and heads of agencies and the police here yesterday.

He said the academy would focus on applying the latest techniques to fight terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, money laundering, cyber crime, biological warfare and the use of explosives.

"The academy will also study new crime trends and identify criminal types" he said that the ministry would seek foreign assistance to set up the academy.

The academy which will also have facilities for sports, recreation, administration and simulation exercises, will be managed by a chairman and a board of directors.

(The Star)

Northstar VII : SAF Anti Terror Exercise

15 Juli 2009

SOTF troopers landing on the roof of Rasa Sentosa Hotel to storm the hostage sites during the finale of Northstar VII (photo : Mindef)

SAF special operations group participates in Exercise Northstar VII

To test Singapore's readiness to deal with concurrent terrorist attacks, 15 agencies including the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) came together in a homeland security exercise codenamed Northstar VII.

Organised by the SPF, this year's exercise saw elements from the recently formed SAF Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) storming the final incident site at Rasa Sentosa Hotel on 15 Jul.

"While we have done a lot to ensure Singapore's peace and security, we cannot afford to be complacent. Terrorists' tactics and mode of operations constantly evolve and we must stay vigilant," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was present to view the proceedings.

Mirroring the concurrent attacks seen during the Mumbai attacks last year, Northstar VII saw a 15-man terrorist group land in Singapore via various land and sea routes. Splitting into groups of two to three men each, they proceeded to their targets such as hotels and shopping malls, to execute a series of coordinated attacks.

After a series of bloody rampages at different locations , the remaining three terrorists barricaded themselves in two separate areas of the hotel together with some hostages.

While the SPF and the SCDF had contained the situation thus far in stellar fashion, further negotiations with the terrorists stood at a stalemate. Upon hearing gunshots from the hostage sites, the SOTF was promptly activated to deal with the terrorists.

The Special Operations Task Force is a specialised force that can conduct complex hostage rescue operations (photo : Mindef)

Within minutes, SOTF troopers arrived on the scene, rappelling down from he Republic of Singapore Air Force's Super Puma helicopters. In a swift and decisive show of force, SOTF troopers stormed the two areas and subdued the terrorists.

To ensure the coast was completely clear after the terrorists had been eliminated, SAF units from the Chemical Biological and Explosive Defence Group (CBRE DG) moved in to neutralise any remaining improvised devices left behind by the terrorists.

Other SAF troops from the various formations also worked with their SPF counterparts to enforce an outer cordon around the hotel. Keeping the public away from danger, the cordon provided a secured area where complex operations can take place.

"The SAF stands ready 24/7 to meet a range of threats to Singapore," said Colonel Benedict Lim, Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations).

The successful collaboration among the multiple agencies showcased during the exercise is a result of many years of working together, said Mr Lee.

"We are very grateful to the Home Team and the SAF for keeping us safe," he added.Also present to view the climatic finale of the exercise at Rasa Sentosa Hotel were Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Professor S Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Home Affairs Mr Wong Kan Seng and other Members of Parliament.

(Mindef)

Indonesia Tuntaskan Latihan Antiteror

21 Desember 2008

Apel sebelum latihan gabungan dimulai (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia menuntaskan latihan gabungan antiteror TNI-Polri, yang disaksikan langsung Menko Polhukam Widodo Adi Sutjipto, Panglima TNI Jenderal TNI Djoko Santoso dan Kapolri Jenderal Pol Bambang Hendarso Danuri secara telekonferensi.

Geladi lapang latihan gabungan antiteror TNI-Polri dilaksanakan secara serentak di di Selat Malaka, Jakarta, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya dan Denpasar.

Dropping dengan helikopter (photo : Kompas)

Skenarionya mulai dari pembebasan kepala negara, tamu negara, pejabat daerah, pendudukan objek vital seperti kantor telekomunikasi, bursa efek, penyanderaan warga negara asing di kedutaan, hotel berbintang, pendudukan bandara, pembajakan pesawat dan kapal tanker.

Di Jakarta geladi lapang berlangsung di gedung Bursa Efek Indonesia, dua hotel, Bandara Halim Perdanakusuma dan Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok, sedangkan di Semarang berlangsung di gedung Telkom, dua hotel, dan di Yogyakarta berlangsung di salah satu hotel.

Densus 88 (photo : Detik)

Latihan di Surabaya berlangsung di tiga hotel sedangkan di Denpasar akan berlangsung di dua hotel dan satu kafe.

Menko Polhukam Widodo AS mengatakan, ancaman teror adalah nyata di depan mata dan terus berkembang secara kompleks dengan modus yang beragam.

Latihan bersama anti teror TNI dan Polri ini merupakan bentuk kewajiban negara untuk memberikan ketenangan dan rasa aman rakyat di seluruh pelosok tanah air.

Den Bravo (photo : Detik)

"Rasa aman juga diberikan kepada orang asing baik yang tinggal atau berkunjung ke Indonesia," katanya.

Mengenai alasan digunakannya hotel berbintang sebagai tempat latihan, Widodo mengatakan itu merupakan bentuk partisipasi semua pihak dalam menciptakan rasa aman.

DenJaKa (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Latihan gabungan antiteror TNI-Polri melibatkan 6.597 personel lapangan dan 350 personel posko.

Latihan posko dimulai pada Jumat dan Sabtu, sedangkan latihan lapangan berlangsung pada Minggu (21/12) dan akan ditutup secara resmi pada esok Senin.

(Antara)