Indonesian security forces hold an anti-terrorism drill on August 1(Photo: AFP/VNA)
Indonesian security forces held an anti-terrorism drill on August 1 as preparations for the 18th Asian Games, which will take place from August 18 to September 2.
Special forces simulated a terrorist attack and a hostage situation at the main stadium complex.
The Southeast Asian country stands ready to host more than 100,000 athletes and spectators to the event, which will be guarded by tens of thousands of police and military personnel.
Jakarta and Palembang city on Sumatra island will welcome 11,000 athletes, and 5,000 officials from 45 countries competing at the region’s largest sport event.
Security has been the biggest concern of the country since a spate of suicide bombings in the city of Surabaya killed about 30 people, including several attackers. The bombings just came months before the ASIAD takes place.
Counter-terrorism police looking to defuse homegrown radicalism have detained nearly 250 suspected militants and killed 21 others.
Indonesia’s latest hosting of the games was in 1962.
VNA
