What happens in the event of a terror attack in S’pore

SINGAPORE — In a terror attack here, Home Team agencies — including the police — remain the primary responders, but there are situations that may call for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to be activated. In the event of an attack similar to that which took place in Paris last November — with multiple sites targeted within minutes of one another — the SAF may be called upon and it aims to respond in three “rings”:

INNER RING: SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE (SOTF)

• The SOTF sweeps into the front lines of the threat to subdue the attackers and rescue hostages

• To enable it to perform its role better, the SOTF will be equipped with new technology, including vertical take-off unmanned aerial vehicles, so it can survey the area under siege better

SECOND RING: ARMY DEPLOYMENT FORCE (ADF)

• The ADF, supported by Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicles, forms a cordon or security perimeter around the area under attack to contain the armed attackers. It will identify the entry and exit points for the area and block them off

• In the event the terrorists venture out from the epicentre of the threat, the ADF, which is also armed with assault weapons including the SAR 21 rifle, stands ready to engage in direct action with the attackers

THIRD RING: ‘CONFIDENCE’ PATROLS BY NSFs, NSMEN

• The day after the attacks, full-time national servicemen (NSFs) and operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) are activated to conduct patrols in areas deemed important, as part of efforts to restore and maintain confidence among the public.