The SBU conducted multi-stage counter-sabotage drills in Odesa region.

The drills were aimed to improve interagency cooperation during the anti-terrorist operation at high-risk facilities and transport infrastructure.

According to the scenario, several “sabotage groups” planned to commit terrorist attacks at the Odesa Port Plant and the Pivdennyi seaport. Another group of armed “terrorists” seized a cargo ship. Thus, the “terrorists” had the ship crew taken “hostage” and put forward their demands.

The anti-terrorist operation on the ship seized by the terrorists took place in several stages: military exercises followed the negotiations. The assault groups of the SBU Anti-Terrorist Center “A” conducted a training operation to neutralize the “saboteurs” and release the “hostages”.

The participants of the drills gradually worked out a set of measures to expose the “terrorists”, release hostages and reduce the potential consequences of emergencies.

The Coordination Group analyzed all stages of the training operation and noted the effectiveness of the units and means involved in counter-terrorist operations. As a result of the drills, the participants were provided with instructions to improve the algorithm of actions of units involved in anti-terrorist activities.

Regular drills allow counter-terrorism officers to increase the effectiveness of joint actions during relevant operations.

The drills were held in near real conditions, including night time and severe weather. The trainings were attended by the SBU units, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, the Ukrainian Sea Port Authorities and the Odesa Port Plant, as well as local authorities.