SPECIAL FORCES MUST COOPERATE THROUGH MUTUAL SHARING TO DEAL WITH SECURITY THREATS

The recent threats from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) show that security challenges continue to exist, and there is a need to step up cooperation among militaries worldwide. Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Perry Lim said this at the Second Special Forces Commanders' Conference (SFCC) on 15 Oct.

Addressing some 400 Special Forces personnel and academics from 15 countries at the conference organised by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), MG Lim said: "We are constantly reminded that security challenges continue to exist and hinder peaceful development."

He spoke about the challenges in dealing with terrorist threats that had become transnational in nature. "It is not possible to isolate such threats to a single operational or geographical area. Only through mutual sharing and learning can we have more comprehensive and effective solutions," he said.

As Special Forces often spearhead counter-terrorism operations because of their unconventional capabilities, the participants will be sharing information and their experiences in such operations during the two-day conference themed, "Evolving Terrorist Threats: Challenges and Opportunities for Special Forces".

"We need multilateral Special Forces cooperation in information sharing, counter-terrorism responses, and shared Special Forces operating procedures in order to stay ahead of the threats we face today," said MG Lim.

He highlighted examples of how the region had taken steps to enhance practical co-operation in counter-terrorism. Last week, Singapore co-chaired the 4th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism with Australia. And the Group will start planning for a joint exercise in 2016 with the EWG on Maritime Security.

He also noted the significant roles played by Special Forces in the US-led military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last decade, and in the international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin in recent years. For the latter, the SAF had deployed a fifth task group comprising a frigate and a security component of its Special Operations Task Force.

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a lunch for the heads of delegation of participating countries.