Elite Anti-terrorist Units from Europe Train in Lest

Lest, September 20 (TASR) – Members of anti-terrorist units from eight European countries on Wednesday trained in standard operational procedures aimed at dealing with high-profile incidents taking place in buildings with the use of special technology, TASR learnt on the same day.

The exercise took place at the military exercises facility in Lest (Banska Bystrica region).The exercise took place at the military exercises facility in Lest (Banska Bystrica region).

Chief of Slovak Lynx Commando Stefan Hamran told TASR that Slovakia is currently heading the Building working group, which deals with attacks located in built-up areas. “We’re responsible not only for updating but also developing new operating procedures to deal with high-profile incidents in built-up areas,” he said.

More than 20 elite units registered for the exercise, while eight of them actually participated in it. These were members of elite units from Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and Sweden. The remaining units should take part in such an exercise in the next few years.

“The initial reports from our foreign partners are that they are truly exited. We haven’t experienced this before, either – organising an exercise of such range and structure. It’s the first time in history,” said Hamran.

The results of Wednesday’s training exercise will be used and incorporated into procedures that will be employed by special units from across Europe to deal with high-profile incidents in towns and cities.

The outcome of the exercise will be presented at a commanders’ conference in the Estonian capital Tallinn in October.