On 10 October, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) is conducting the counterterrorism exercise "Wolmar 2024" in Valmiera and Jāņmuiža.
This will be the 13th training of such scale as VDD is organising counterterrorism exercises with full force deployment already since 2007. This year VDD has chosen Vidzeme for the exercise in order to continue improving the readiness of the regional structures of a number of services to act in case of a terrorist attack. This is the first time when the exercise is being conducted on two sites simultaneously, and it will host the largest number of participants yet – more than 500 representatives from both Latvian and foreign institutions.
During the counterterrorism exercise "Wolmar 2024", the representatives of the competent services test the readiness to implement the measures prescribed in the Action Plan in Case of Threats to Land Objects (counterterrorism plan "Object") approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to prevent the terrorist threat and remedy the consequences of attacks.
Within the exercise, in a setting similar to a real-life situation in Valmiera Olympic Centre VDD together with State Police, State Emergency Medical Service, State Fire and Rescue Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prosecutor General’s Office, Valmiera district municipal police, State Border Guard and National Armed Forces (NAF) tests and improves the mutual cooperation procedures in case terrorists armed with firearms and explosives invade a mass gathering site and take several dozen hostages. In Valmiera, three Latvia’s special operations units practice to detain terrorists – State Police Counterterrorism Unit "OMEGA", NAF Special Task Unit and State Border Guard Special Operations service "Sigma".
Meanwhile in Jāņmuiža the tactical units of VDD and Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) in cooperation with NAF Special Task Unit cynologist team train to detain armed and especially dangerous organisers of a terror act. This phase of the exercise will also receive support from the Second Vidzeme Brigade of the National Guard, NAF Air Force and Military Police.
To maximally replicate the conditions of a real life situation, the roles of victims and hostages will be played by the cadets of State Police College, State Border Guard College and Colonel Oskars Kalpaks Military High School.
Today the participants of the exercise “Wolmar 2024” improve their skills in rescue operations, first aid and CPR, triage of persons discovered on site, detaining of terrorists, rescuing of hostages, investigation activities and other elements of a counterterrorism operation.
VDD would like to draw the attention of residents and guests of Valmiera and Jāņmuiža that in relation to the exercise on 10 October episodes of increased movement of vehicles of operational services and NAF, including low flybys of helicopters, may occur. VDD asks the population to remain understanding towards the course of the exercise as its main aim is to ensure public safety. There will be no significant traffic limitations during the exercise in Valmiera or Jāņmuiža.
VDD is Latvia’s leading institution in coordinating the activities in the counterterrorism field of state and municipal institutions as well as other institutions involved in the counterterrorism prevention or response measures.
Terrorism threat level in Latvia currently is low and the information at VDD’s disposal does not indicate any changes in the near future.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, VDD
