Dubai Police team tops first SWAT challenge

Dubai - The tactical event was the first leg of the challenge, which is on its second edition this year.

What does it take to rescue a hostage? Racing against time - and all geared up for the day's mission - 46 special weapons and tactical teams from 26 countries conquered the first event of the annual UAE SWAT Challenge on Sunday.
At Al Ruwayyah training camp, where a hostage scenario was set up, each SWAT team zipped from one room to another, shooting targets on the way, and moving together with mechanical precision.
The goal was to exit the area and run back to the starting line with a dummy hostage secured.
The tactical event was the first leg of the challenge, which is on its second edition this year.
Out of all participating teams from around the world, the Dubai Police Team A won first place, followed by the Abu Dhabi Police A and the Russian group on second and third place, respectively. They received cash prizes worth $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000.
Despite strong winds and the dusty weather, the Dubai Police Team A completed the mission in only 36 seconds.
The Abu Dhabi Police A finished the challenge in 37.1 seconds, while the Russian team cracked it in 40.15 seconds.
Col Musabeh Al Ghafli, director of the challenge, said several participants had already experienced the competition last year. He said the record time achieved by the Dubai Police showed the result of their hard work and training.
Lt Yasser Al Zarouni, supervisor of the Dubai Police Team A, said they wanted to beat the last year's record, adding that winning the tactical event is the first step to winning the UAE SWAT challenge 2020.
Today, the event will feature the assault round from 8am to 4pm.
hesham@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai