Despite the 37th ASEAN Summit being held online courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, a security rehearsal was held in Hanoi, the original venue. 

On Friday night, thousands of special forces including mobile police, soldiers, police dogs and specialized vehicles showcased their preparedness for major international events hosted in the country.

The No. 1 Mobile Police Battalion of the Mobile Police Command were in the forefront of the security exercise.

Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Chu Van Quang, said that the exercise showcase readiness of units to support and handle possible scenarios like hijacking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, armed terrorism and bombing.

Lieutenant General Pham Quoc Cuong, Commander of the Mobile Police, oversaw the security preparedness exercise held in Hanoi.

"This rehearsal puts the force in an always-ready mentality, affirming their ability to go up against all destructive intentions and actions of hostile forces, reactionaries, crimes and illegal actions. This is also an affirmation for international friends that Vietnam is a safe destination for all of you,” Cuong said. 

The Professional Animal Training Force under the Mobile Police Command mobilized 130 soldiers with 90 police dogs and 12 motorcycles with sidecars. 

Mostly German shepherds, the 90 police dogs have undergone proficiency training at the Professional Training Center of the Mobile Police Command. Among other things, they are trained to sniff, detect explosives and search for mines.

Officers, soldiers and police dogs move to target points during the exercise.

Specialized vehicles used in the exercise included armored vehicles that can launch emergency ladders.

Four bullet-proof S5 armored vehicles were also on show during the exercise. The body and glass of these vehicles are bullet-proof, the underbody is mine-resistant and the bulletproof tires are capable of moving for an additional 50 km after being deflated.

The vehicles are equipped to clear obstacles half a meter high and move in 0.8 m deep water. They have racks for guns and smoke grenade launchers are arranged in the front and sides of the vehicle.

The armored Ram 2000 vehicles were also deployed.

The mobile combat command vehicles capable of connecting, transmitting information, images or video conferencing at locations for live reporting were mobilized for the exercise. 

Water trucks and seven-seat armored vehicles to carry the commanders were also on show.

The 37th ASEAN Summit and related events will take place online from November 12-15 under the leadership of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. 

Among important meetings to be held with Vietnam as the ASEAN chair are the ASEAN+1 summits with Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Nations.