Tuesday, April 05, 2005

US holds massive terror exercise

The biggest anti-terrorism exercise held in the US is under way to test its response to attacks involving biological and chemical weapons.
More than 10,000 people are taking part in the five-day exercise, which also involves Canada and the UK.
A simulated biological attack by terrorists in New Jersey on Monday coincided with a mock chemical attack at a port on the coast of Connecticut.
On Tuesday, the focus of the exercise will shift to hospitals.
"The point of this is not to design a simulation that makes us 'look good' because we were able to figure out how to pre-package everything that we wanted to do," US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said.
"The point is to actually drive at the areas where we think there are potential questions or criticisms, to really push there in order to learn more lessons."
Although no real weapons or biological agents are used, federal and local officials as well as emergency services respond as if it is the real thing.

No comments: