Exercise tests chemical attack defences

Over 1,000 emergency personnel from 12 NATO and partner countries are practicing dealing with the effects of a chemical attack by terrorists in a major exercise in Ukraine, 9-13 October.

In a dramatic scenario, terrorists set off homemade chemical bombs in a chemical factory near Lviv, releasing chlorine and chemical warfare agents into the surrounding area.

A swift international response is mounted, with specialist emergency teams from NATO and partner countries moving in to assist Ukrainian teams in protecting the local population.

Ensuring an effective response

This is the sixth such exercise organized by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre.

These exercises allow international rescue teams to practice working together so that they can respond quickly and effectively in the event of real-life disasters.

In recent years, the exercises have focused increasingly on the threat posed to populations by terrorists equipped with weapons of mass destruction.