Soldiers train to subdue riots

Tear gas cylinders exploded at the White Rocks filling the air with white smoke. A group of "unruly youths" had occupied the abandoned tourist complex in Pembroke and soldiers were trying to bring them under control, using anti-riot equipment.

It was the scene, last Friday, of a realistic internal security training-exercise conducted by C (Special Duties) company personnel from 1st Regiment of the Armed Forces of Malta, under the command of Captain Jason Ebejer.

As the smoke billowed, simulated gunfire broke out and military vehicles screeched to a halt as armed forces anti-riot personnel invaded the scene. The smoke cleared, the "unruly crowd" ran in all directions and the soldiers tried to apprehend their leader.

During the two-day exercise, the barricaded group of "unruly youths" (role-played by fellow soldiers) inside the complex had armed themselves with oranges, wood, improvised petrol-bombs and burning obstacles.

The anti-riot personnel overpowered them with rubber batons and baton guns under different scenarios directed by their instructors.

The aim was to develop the soldiers' skills in handling a range of situations, confronting anything from minor aggression in open spaces to severe violence from rioters inside buildings.

In such situations, AFM soldiers would be required to negotiate their way in and out of the premises in the safest ways possible according to the circumstances and the architecture.