Combat coordination in practice: how was the counter-terrorism forum in Minsk

Together for safety. Minsk summed up the results of a representative counter-terrorism forum. It united the special services of different CIS and SCO countries. We exchanged concepts and practices of countering terrorists, as well as conducted combat coordination – a joint exercise “Eurasia-Anti-Terror”. In the practical part, special units of six countries were involved.

The second day of the Counter-Terrorism Forum is filled with practical implementation of responses to typical threats and challenges. Conditional terrorists take hostage visitors to a major metropolitan arena during an international match. The purpose of the attack is mass media effect. Under the scenario, the bandits were able to get inside, where they armed themselves. Vending machines and explosives ended up there because of betrayal. A joint unit of the “A” group of the KGB of Belarus and the Special Purpose Center of the Federal Security Service of Russia enters the battle.

As a result, the saboteurs are neutralized. This is a real test of combat coherence. For the first time, special forces of six countries operate in one bundle at once.

Sergey Shveykin, Chief of Staff of the Anti-Terrorist Center of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan: Such exercises are quite important. Especially in the context of the expansion of the organization. This is the Anti-Terrorist Center of the CIS countries and the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Such exercises are held annually. Those episodes, those elements that will be practically worked out, are actually relevant and appropriate to the situation.”.

Another episode is the demonstration of the release of hostages on transport. Assault actions were accompanied by the detonation of distracting shells and the neutralization of saboteurs. Contemporary terrorism knows no borders, acts cruelly and in cold blood. Examples have already been in different countries of the world, many are still heard.

Alexey Kryakvin, correspondent: “To oppose terrorism is to be one step ahead and be able to foresee.” Scenarios of possible aggression are known: threats, terrorist attacks, assassinations, entry into territory and the creation of crises. This list is not exhaustive.”.

The reaction to the capture of the border settlement was practiced by the forces of special forces at the range. This development was prepared by fugitive extremists who are undergoing military coordination in the war in Ukraine. Cohesive action can defeat terrorists. Any scenarios are carefully studied, effective methods of confrontation are developed. The results of the conference and exercises are summed up. Particular attention is paid to eliminating the prerequisites for committing terrorist attacks.

Sergey Terebov, First Deputy Chairman of the KGB of Belarus: Practice shows that terrorist acts never begin on the territory of a single state. As a rule, intent is born on the territory of one country, transferred to another. Therefore, we will not be able to solve modern anti-terror tasks alone here. The level of interaction is key to the success of solving problems. Therefore, through constant interaction... We have special forces that constantly interact in daily activities, and there are special forces with which we intersect a little less.”.

Joint work and exercises are an opportunity to combine different styles and practices of solving anti-terrorist tasks.

Evgeny Sysoev, Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center: Terrorism is international in nature. Coordinating bodies for countering terrorism appeared within the framework of two international organizations: in 2000 – within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and in 2001 – within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These bodies are doing everything we can to ensure that we confront international terrorism with a united front. In Belarus, all this has been very impressive: both in the political and diplomatic sphere yesterday and today in terms of demonstrating the activities of special forces units, conducting operational and combat measures to suppress illegal armed groups and release hostages.

All participating countries have directly or indirectly faced terrorism and attempts at foreign interference.

Ularbek Sharsheev, Director of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Modern terrorism is transnational, that is, it has no nationality. It unites those destructive elements who do not want a peaceful existence. And so we can only confront it together. The same tasks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are set during the summit of the SCO heads of state. Human life and the tranquility of peoples in our states are always at the forefront of values. Therefore, the security of the states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the region as a whole is of particular importance.”.

The operational situation in the region and the world is such that joint work on countering terrorists is necessary. Including in cyberspace. A number of Western countries are actively carrying out hybrid attacks on Belarus. Their goal is to discredit the authorities, raise protest moods. Why? In particular, to create a favorable ground for active actions. Belarus has learned to respond and stop. Our readiness is another deterrent to potential aggression.