Hong Kong to conduct first anti-terror drill supervised by John Lee on Thursday

Hong Kong authorities will conduct their first counterterrorism drill overseen by the city’s leader on Thursday afternoon, featuring a live broadcast and the largest-ever public participation, the Post has learned.

A source revealed on Monday that more than 500 government officers would participate in the exercise, with 200 members of the public observing and taking part. The drill, code-named “Bravelight”, will be held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

“This exercise will mark the first activation of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung personally overseeing the operation,” the source said.

About two weeks ago, Lee chaired the first meeting of a high-level counterterrorism steering group and subsequently ordered a large-scale attack simulation to be held this month.

Following the meeting, a government spokesman said that officials had reviewed global and local threats, as well as authorities’ directions and strategies for counterterrorism efforts.

The source added that officers mobilised for the drill would be from the city’s six disciplinary forces, government chemists, the Hospital Authority and the Security Bureau. More than 100 residents would also take part in the exercise, with another 100 observing on-site.