The elite Counter-Terrorist Force of the country, National Security Guards, Anti Terrorist Squad of the Goa Police, and all key stakeholders of the integrated counter-terrorism response system were rigorously tested through a series of high-intensity simulated terrorist incidents across Goa, including prominent locations like the Goa State Central Library, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and DoubleTree by Hilton, as part of a crucial three-day counter-terrorism exercise led by NSG from 23 to 25 Oct 2024. This exercise was critical in achieving several goals, including streamlining drills, tactics, and procedures for counter-terrorism operations, while also evaluating the security of vulnerable and high-profile locations in the city.
The complex mock exercise involved a range of realistic terrorist strike scenarios, where all levels of responders—from initial action teams to the deployment of the State ATS and the final intervention by the federal counter-terrorism force NSG—were put to the test. The coordinated response to multiple potential attacks, including the simultaneous activation of several targets, was practiced by various agencies to improve the Counter-Terrorist Grid.
The specialised units of the Goa Police and civil administration played a pivotal role, fully integrated into the operations, rehearsing critical functions such as casualty management, traffic control, and logistical support, ensuring that all aspects of counter-terrorism preparedness were thoroughly tested.
This exercise has been instrumental in strengthening the overall counter-terrorism grid and enhancing the security of these highly sensitive and iconic sites.
ATS -GoaPolice along with the elite NSG completed an intense 3-day counter-terrorism exercise in Goa! Comprehensive mock drills and rehearsals were held to strengthen the counter-terrorism grid in Goa and enhance security at vital locations like the Central State Library and Basilica of Bom Jesus.