Spanish
The Hong Kong Police arrested nine youths for their alleged involvement in military-inspired training, in the first action of its kind carried out under the National Security Safeguarding Law, regulations that provide for prison sentences for those who organize instruction intended for the use of offensive weapons.
The operation took place on Thursday in an industrial premises located in San Po Kong, where the agents found various material considered suitable for tactical exercises. The Department of Homeland Security reported this Friday that several of the detainees knew each other and had been seen in the vicinity of the recent fire declared in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which destroyed seven blocks and caused 160 deaths.You can also read: U.S. rescue group that evacuated Machado from Venezuela denies Trump hired them
Authorities continue to analyze the origin of the fire, considered one of the most devastating in the region in years. During the search, agents seized several objects likely to be explosive, five modified air rifles, five military knives, and a large sword. A three-dimensional printer was also found at the scene, which, according to the investigation, could have been used to manufacture parts linked to the seized material. Police indicated that the suspects were wearing clothing associated with groups that participated in the massive anti-government protests of 2019. Six of those arrested, aged between 20 and 25, were intercepted inside the building. The other three, aged between 20 and 22, were later located in the districts of Tuen Mun and Yau Ma Tei. All remain in custody while proceedings are completed. The investigation began almost two years ago, after receiving information about the possible existence of "illicit training" in the industrial complex. Authorities maintain that the exercises included practices with offensive weapons and simulations considered by law as unauthorized military instruction. The Chief Superintendent of the National Security Department, Steve Li Kwai-wah, stated that the case demonstrates the persistence of behaviors against the local Government. He also indicated that possible connections of the suspects with external actors and the motives that would justify their presence in the area affected by the lethal fire are being studied. The analysis of the seized material continues and the Police keeps all lines of investigation open to determine the scope of the detected activities, as well as the possible existence of additional support inside or outside the territory.
