Friday, July 1, 2016

The Three Rings: Singapore Armed Forces' Response to a Terrorist Attack

Like many countries, Singapore brace herself against possible terrorist attacks. The leadership has warned the country that a terrorist attack is just a matter of time.

The Home Team comprising of the Singapore Police and other law enforcement and security agencies is the first responder to any reported terrorist attack in the city state.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has the elite Special Tactical and Rescue (STAR) team, which is the equivalent of the American Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT). The STAR specialised in hostage rescue and tackling armed suspects. The STAR, together with the Police K-9 unit (with explosive detector dogs) and the 600 strong Police Tactical Unit (PTU) come under the umbrella of the Home Team's Special Operations Command. The SPF can also call upon troopers from the Gurkha Contingent.

When there is a large scale or multiple terrorist attacks, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be activated to swiftly neutralise the threats and assist in restoring order.

The First Ring : Direct Action

When there is a terrorist attack, the SAF Special Operation Task Force (SOTF) is expected to swing into action to directly confront the attackers. The elites of the SAF comprising of the Special Operation Force (SOF), Singapore Commando and the Navy Diving Unit (NDU) are trained for anti-terrorism duties on both land and sea.

The SOF saw action in 1991 when a Singapore Airlines flight was hijacked and landed at Changi International Airport. The then classified unit stormed the aircraft and rescued all passengers.

The Second Ring : Containment

The Army's newly set up Army Deployment Force (ADF) will be part of the second ring response. The specially trained ADF, supported by armoured Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicles, forms a security cordon around the area under attack. It will identify and block off the exit points for the area in order to contain the attackers. The ADF is expected to neutralise any attackers that slip through the security cordon. So the Peacekeeper PRV is equipped with a heavy pack. The roof mounted remote control weapon system can be configured with either a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, a 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun or the 7.62mm Light Machine Gun.

The Third Ring : Stabilise 

In the days after the attacks, more troopers will be activated to augment the SPF in conducting patrols in areas deemed important as part of the measures to restore order and public confidence.

While the forces brought to bear on any attackers seem overwhelming, the leadership is taking no chances. Especially in the wake of terrorist attacks that had occurred in major cities in Europe and elsewhere.


todayonline.com

STAR

SQ117 Hijack

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