Police and Navy Conduct Terror Drill at Alicante Port

Spanish National Police and Navy forces executed a joint training exercise simulating a terrorist threat near Alicante's cruise terminal, all within sight of disembarking cruise passengers.

The coordinated operation was designed to evaluate emergency response procedures and the collaboration between the Navy, National Police, and Alicante Port Authority. The simulation featured over 130 participants, including 80 naval personnel and 50 officers from tactical and intelligence units.

The drill involved two separate, high-intensity scenarios happening at the same time. In the first, three armed individuals seized a fishing vessel packed with explosives and attempted to approach the port. Naval forces, alongside the Special Operations Group, intercepted the threat by launching an assault from a Navy ship, ultimately subduing the attackers and neutralizing the explosives.

Meanwhile, back at the cruise terminal, a fourth simulated assailant—cut off from the group offshore—launched a knife attack on cruise passengers as they disembarked. According to the scenario, the attacker became agitated after failing to meet up with his fellow operatives. Officers from the Police Prevention and Reaction Unit responded swiftly, detaining the individual and securing the area.

Guests aboard an MSC Cruises ship docked at the terminal witnessed the staged events. Initially alarmed, many passengers watched from balconies and decks, with reactions ranging from panic to amusement once it became clear the activity was a planned simulation.