In his speech delivered after a joint exercise conducted by the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Counter-Terrorism Centre, István Simicskó stated that the participants have the task of guaranteeing the security of Hungarians at the highest possible level, adding that it is required because the threat of terrorism has significantly increased in Europe.

Speaking after the exercise held in the former barracks on Thököly Road, the minister noted that under the decision of the National Assembly, the state of terrorist threat, as an element of the special legal order, has been incorporated into the Fundamental Law of Hungary.

By declaring this state, if the need arises, the specially trained units of the Hungarian Defence Forces can assist the police with their work. Mr. Simicskó also pointed out that the Special Forces have been effectively carrying out their security duties all around the world, and the recently established Military Police Center also operates in the interest of strengthening the security of Hungarian people.

István Simicskó said that over the last one and a half years, a close cooperation has developed with the experts of the Counter-Terrorism Centre. In his opinion, the exercise carried out on Tuesday in Szolnok was convincing. He noted that by modelling realistic scenarios, the excellently trained soldiers, policemen and SWAT units become able to effectively counter the terrorists and the potential threats.

The minister of defence expressed hope that the country will not come under attacks of this type, but “they can never be ruled out since this threat is included in today’s European and world political situation”. He pointed out that the forms of warfare have changed, and more must be done for the security of the home front and the civilians, but the experts are well-prepared.

He added that exercises like the present one will be held in the future too, because the level of skills and knowledge must be continuously maintained. In answer to a question, he said that the readiness level and strength of the Special Forces Regiment (reorganized from a battalion) has significantly increased in the last one year. He noted that various forums and forms of cooperation have been established, which provide an adequate framework for effectively serving the security of the country.

Examples include the functions of the Counter-Terrorism Information and Criminal Analysis Centre (TIBEK), the National Security Cabinet and the National Security Working Group. Col. Tamás Sándor, Commander, HDF 2nd vitéz Bertalan Árpád Special Forces Regiment stated that a core function of the unit is to provide a range of special operations capabilities for assisting the police with their work.

During the exercise, they secured the “outer perimeter”, cleared the evacuation point and then, together with the staff of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, they established an evacuation corridor. In answer to a question, József Szilágyi, Director of Operations, Counter-Terrorism Centre said that all exercises are based on real-life actions. On Tuesday, at the first display point – the municipal sports hall –, the participants demonstrated how they take action against a terrorist bomb attack.

At the second point, in the former barracks on Thököly Road, they neutralized hostage-takers and evacuated the civilians. At other venues, they demonstrated the defence of “critical infrastructure” (for example, a railway station) and public buildings.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Bugány János