Yesterday’s Multi-Agency  LIVEX tested Gibraltar’s response to a marauding terrorist attack. The Emergency Services, other first responding agencies, Government Departments and the military implemented their protocols and procedures to validate plans and test the immediate deployment of capabilities and resources.

The exercise scenario saw multiple casualties and fatalities following an attack on a high-profile security conference at the Mount. This was followed by a Gibraltar-wide manhunt and an increase in Threat Level to CRITICAL requiring Gibraltar to adopt an increased Armed Guarding posture. Concurrent serials saw the Regiment’s Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD) supported by assets from the Emergency Services respond to a suspect package at the RGP’s Marine Base. The LIVEX culminated with a further terrorist attack at Lathbury Barracks Retrenchment Block which required the immediate deployment of policing Armed Response assets to neutralise the threat. Exercising organisations were able to practice their response at operational, tactical and strategic levels, measured against the core objectives of saving life and preventing further harm.

The Strategic Coordinating Group at No 6 Convent Place was co-chaired by the Minister for Civil Contingencies, Leslie Bruzon, and the Senior Police Officer who has primacy in Counter-Terrorism operations, Superintendent Nolan Romero.

A ‘hot debrief’ held at the Strategic Coordination Centre at No 6 Convent Place immediately after the exercise was terminated identified the key strategic objectives and areas of capability development.  This was followed by a ‘cold debrief’ this morning, during which directing staff from various agencies were able to discuss their responses and measure these against Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) for joint working and specific joint operating principles for MTA operations in particular.

The Minister for Civil Contingencies Coordinator, Leslie Bruzon, said: ‘Yesterday’s exercise demonstrated how complex and challenging an incident of this nature will be for all of us to deal with. A key element of preparedness is training, learning lessons and implementing these into our plans and procedures. Thanks to everyone who was involved. The immense effort that goes into preparing and conducting such a comprehensive live exercise whilst minimising disruption to the public and continuing to provide normal service cannot be underestimated. I must therefore thank the Office of Civil Contingencies for having delivered such a realistic and challenging multi-agency exercise which has served as a crucial platform to improve our preparedness.’