A large European anti-terrorist exercise took place on Thursday in Ranst (Antwerp province). The scenario was a chemical attack with hostages taken, and multiple casualties. Around 350 national experts took part in the exercise, codenamed ARETE 2014. The simulation was organized at the request of the European Commission, in partnership with the Belgian federal police. It was the first step in a program designed to reinforce cooperation between security services and European police.
Among the specialists present were civil security experts, decontamination experts and members of special intervention units. As well as Belgium, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg were also Involved.
The Home Affairs minister Jan Jambon (N-VA political party) and the European Home Affairs commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos were present.
(Source: Belga)
