First introduced in 1997, Exercise Northstar is a national-level emergency response exercise to test the readiness of agencies in the event of major crises. Let’s take a closer look at the SPF’s capabilities that were exercised at Exercise Northstar XI!
By: Christabelle Lim
The scenario: A group of self-radicalised individuals have infiltrated Jurong Island and planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on various large oil tanks and petrochemical pipelines on the island.
While attempting to leave Jurong Island on a small craft, they were engaged by Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs). The perpetrators then held the workers hostage in a desperate bid to escape.
This was the opening scenario of Exercise Northstar XI, held at Jurong Island on 22 March 2023. More than 300 personnel from the SPF, SCDF and SAF were involved. Previous editions of Exercise Northstar had demonstrated our emergency response capabilities at venues such as the Singapore Sports Hub and Changi Airport. This year, we showed that our leading edge was just as sharp in industrial and marine environments.
Responding to this threat was the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Within minutes, Ground Response Force (GRF) officers and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) had arrived at the hostage scene to take command of the situation.
Facing these officers, the perpetrators had no choice but to release the hostages and attempt to flee. The hostages were saved, and perpetrators neutralised.
On land or at sea, coordination was the order of the day. The Police Coast Guard (PCG) demonstrated its capabilities at Sakra Basin off Jurong Island as another group of perpetrators attempted to escape on a small boat.
A high-speed chase ensued. Within minutes, the PCG patrol craft had cut off the escape boat, with all the perpetrators onboard were apprehended.
But the day was far from over. The IEDs had ruptured a petrochemical pipeline, causing a fire to break out. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighters soon arrived to fight the blaze.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports came in of a possible secondary attack at the Jurong Island Checkpoint. After reviewing the situation, the SPF activated a sea evacuation for the personnel on Jurong Island. Working together with the SCDF, the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore, the SPF ensured that all personnel were successfully evacuated. With all the agencies playing their part, it was mission accomplished for Exercise Northstar XI!
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
