Snipers take to rooftops as Vietnam tightens security for National Party Congress

Since the Congress opened, special police units under the Ministry of Public Security have been stationed 24 hours a day at key high points overlooking venues linked to the event. From these vantage points, officers monitor the entire security perimeter, scanning for potential threats across a wide radius.

The teams operate in rotating shifts, combining sniper coverage with high-altitude surveillance and continuous observation. According to security officials, the work requires extreme precision, discipline and psychological control, with even minor errors considered unacceptable.

Every position and duty shift has been carefully calculated to create multiple overlapping layers of protection, forming a tightly sealed security network around the Congress.

Beyond rooftop deployments, additional units have been placed at airports, the National Convention Center, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, delegates’ accommodations, and surrounding areas. Rapid-response teams remain on standby to handle emergencies, including pursuits, hostage rescue situations and counterterrorism scenarios.

Officers are fully equipped with specialized weapons and support gear and remain in a constant state of operational readiness, awaiting orders from central command.

On the morning of Jan. 21, the Congress continued its agenda, with leaders from ministries, sectors and local governments presenting policy proposals and contributing feedback on draft documents that will shape Vietnam’s development strategy for the next term.

The 14th National Party Congress runs from Jan. 19 to Jan. 23, 2026. 1.5 days shorter than initially scheduled. The event brings together 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide, along with Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, prominent intellectuals, artists, religious figures, outstanding young citizens and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vietnam.