Olympics code: No margin for terror

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-6-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

AN anti-terrorist force of nearly 100,000 commandos, police and army troops is on high alert before and during the Beijing Olympic Games, officials said yesterday - 50 days ahead of the opening ceremony.

"Experiences show that terrorist attacks may occur before the Games, so our anti-terrorist forces are already in action," said Liu Shaowu, the security department director for the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.

National anti-terrorist drills dubbed "Great Wall 5" this month marked the beginning of the campaign, he said. The drills, including missions to deal with chemical attacks, the hijacking of athletes' buses and other contingencies were staged from June 11 to 14.

China has put an emphasis on security in the run-up to the August Games as national leaders have said that terrorism is the biggest threat.

Anti-terrorist forces for the Olympics comprise three parts: security guards at sporting venues, security forces in Beijing and national professional emergency forces.

Among the forces is the Snow Wolf Commando Unit, a highly classified special police squad established in 2002. The 300-strong unit specializes in counter-terrorism, riot control, hijack prevention and bomb disposal.

Security forces of host cities Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao and Hong Kong have been on duty for land, maritime and air protection.

Beijing has about 150,000 security personnel and 290,000-plus volunteers in the city. "We will never allow terrorists to attack the Games," said Li Gaoxiang, a 70-year-old professor patrolling the streets.

Ma Zhenchuan, Beijing Public Security Bureau director, said: "The force of the police is limited, but the force of the people is limitless."