Training Course on Developing Exercises to Counter Terrorism involving Weapons of Mass Destruction

From January 20–22, 2026, within the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the United States and the Philippines jointly organized a training course on developing exercises to respond to the threat of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Manila, Philippines.

The Vietnamese delegation took photos with the experts

Nearly 30 delegates from nine ASEAN Member States participated in the course (excluding Singapore and Timor-Leste), along with representatives from Papua New Guinea, experts from the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), representatives of the European Union (EU) in Southeast Asia, and Canada.

The training aimed to strengthen participating countries’ capacity for preparedness and response to the risk of WMD-related terrorism. Key topics discussed by experts and delegates included:

• Approaches to assessing, planning, and conducting exercises to address WMD terrorism scenarios;
  • International best practices and experiences in developing national response exercise frameworks;
  • The importance of inter-agency and multi-sectoral coordination in responding to WMD-related terrorist threats;
• Tabletop and roundtable exercises simulating emergency response to WMD terrorism incidents.

The course provided an important platform for delegates to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences, and enhance cooperation in responding to chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies as well as terrorism-related threats. It also enabled Vietnamese officers to strengthen their capabilities in planning, advising, and organizing exercises to effectively manage WMD-related terrorism risks.

Vũ Quang Đại – TT81