The city's special weapons and tactics (SWAT) force took part in its first large-scale anti-terror drill on Wednesday in an exercise that saw more than 1,000 members divided into 24 teams.

"The aim of the drill is to enhance the SWAT force's capability in dealing with emergencies, such as terrorist attacks," said Jing Hao, a swat press officer, as the drill began in Yanqing county.

The day-long exercise also tested the long-distance reinforcement capability, Jing said.

At present, all 18 districts and counties in the city are covered by SWAT forces, he said.

The drill, which started early in the morning, involved several disciplines, including firing weapons under harsh conditions.

In a scenario designed to represent the hunting down of four desperate terrorists on the run in a car with bombs, SWAT force members practiced various special skills.

Three helicopters and more than 100 police vehicles also took part in the exercise.

Eight sharp-shooters were deployed on a slope to monitor the "terrorists".

With greasepaint on their faces, each SWAT force member was armed to the teeth and protected by a bullet-proof vest.

A camera on team members' helmets relayed live images back to the SWAT team's headquarters.

Special police vehicles that can withstand explosions and that are equipped to detect terrorists were also put into use.

A mobile kitchen and laundry vehicle and a generator van to supply power also stood by.

Among the drills, the elite forces had to do push-ups before running while carrying a log. Then, after crawling through a 15-m-long marsh, they were ordered to shoot at targets.

"The practice aims to improve shooting accuracy when we are extremely tired," said an officer, who did not want to be named.

"This could be 100 times harder than shooting under normal conditions."

METRO