SINGAPORE – There could have been more casualties after armed terrorists “detonated” two bombs during a concert at the Singapore Sports Hub, if not for the quick work of the authorities.

A third bomb, found under a spectator’s seat in the stadium, was neutralised by a remote-controlled bomb disposal robot from the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group (CBRE).

On April 15, Exercise Heartbeat, a counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness exercise, was held at the Sports Hub for the first time.

It was organised by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), supported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the SAF, in collaboration with Kallang Alive Sport Management.

Over 180 people had participated in the exercise, including personnel from SPF, SCDF and SAF, as well as volunteers and students who were role players.

The exercise’s organisers also showcased for the first time the police officers involved in the post-blast investigations (PBI).

After a bomb was detonated near a parked car, the PBI team looked for clues by taking photographs and forensic swabs, which could point to the composition and construction of the bomb.

They were also hoping to find forensic intelligence that can be used to quickly identify perpetrators.

Observing the exercise at the Sports Hub was Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling, along with senior officers from SPF, SCDF and SAF.

She said the exercise demonstrated the close collaboration between government agencies, premise owners and the community in dealing with a terror incident.

“This exercise has been a useful way to show off our readiness and confidence to respond to threats at a major concert and ev...