Special forces troops from the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) 2nd Commando Regiment have rehearsed a mock hostage recovery operation at the Port of Brisbane as part of a G20 training exercise.

Soldiers involved in the operation at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Academy carried weapons, tactical equipment, simulation ammunition and hand-held pyrotechnics.

They were supported by helicopters and military working dogs.

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ADF spokesman for the G20, Major General Stuart Smith, said it was a task they had rehearsed and were ready to provide as a national capability.

“It’s been provided for the summit as a stand by capability should it be called upon by state or federal government authorities,” he said.

He said it was one of a number of rehearsals scheduled for the Brisbane area over the coming two weeks.

“We’ll be rehearsing our state-of-the-art equipment, capabilities and training in concert with state and federal authorities so we’re really well prepared to provide a very safe and secure summit.”

Major General Smith said the ADF was working in direct support with the Queensland Police Service, which had jurisdictional security responsibility for the summit.

“The type of niche support we’re providing is engineers to conduct building searches, explosive detection dogs to conduct building and vehicle searches, waterway searches, our counter terrorist capability, helicopter and fixed wing surveillence and transport support,” he said.

“It’s really a background support we’re providing.

“I surmise you won’t see a great presence by the military. We’ll be operating in the background, where the police require us.

“Essentially searching conference venues in advance, hotels in advance… and remaining on standby if required to provide counter terrorism support or other aviation or air support.”