Recognition, on a non discriminatory basis, of

characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely

to threaten security

Objective: at the end of the topic, the trainee must have gain some knowledge in identifying a possible terrorist.

INTELLIGENCE BRIEF

Maj. Matt Hurley11 WG/DSI

Question of the Week

• Which one is the suicide bomber?

Answer• Sri Lankan

suicide bomber “Dhanu,” moments before killing former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi, herself, and 17 others

Answer• Bomb concealed

under her dress, smuggled through security at an election rally

• Detonated the bomb while bending down to touch Gandhi’s feet

BOMBER TARGET SECURITY

The Threat Is Spreading• During the 1980s:

Lebanon Kuwait Sri Lanka

The Threat Is Spreading• During the 1980s:

Lebanon Kuwait Sri Lanka

• 1990-2002: Israel India Pakistan Yemen Algeria Chechnya Kenya Tanzania Panama Argentina Croatia Australia Turkey Saudi Arabia Afghanistan

Modus Operandi

• A suicide bomber’s success depends on three main

elements: – Secrecy is essential to plan and conduct the mission

– Thorough reconnaissance and surveillance is required to choose a target and identify its weakness

– Extensive rehearsals and “dry runs” are necessary to ensure stealth and speed during the attack

• Ultimate goal: inflict as many casualties as possible

Prevention

• Traditional concepts of security are based on deterring

terrorist attacks

– Assumes the terrorist fears death or capture

– But, suicide attacks depend on the death of the terrorist

– The suicide bomber doesn’t care about his/her death,

imprisonment or torture at the time of the attack

– No need for an escape plan, traditionally the most difficult

part of a terrorist operation

• There is no sure method of preventing a determined suicide bomber, but…

• The surveillance / reconnaissance phase is the best time to spot and thwart attack planning

• Strong and obvious force protection measures are the best way to deter a suicide attack

– The terrorist group wants to succeed

– The suicide bomber does not want to die for nothing

– If a target is too tough, they will choose another

Prevention

Prevention

• Be alert for indicators

– Surveillance, particularly

focusing on access points

– Dry runs to identify hazards

or security checkpoints

– Purchase of, or illicit access

to, facility blueprints

HIZBALLAH SURVEILLANCE OF NORTHERN ISRAELI

SETTLEMENTS

• Pamphlet distributed to the public, early Sep 02

• Lists basic external, behavioral indicators:

– Unseasonable dress or conspicuous, bulky clothes– Obvious or awkward attempts to “blend in” to a

crowd– Repeated and nervous handling of parts of clothing– Profuse sweating, slow-paced walking while

focusing on sides– Attempts to stay away from security personnel– Hesitant, nervous muttering– Perfumed, recently shaved

Prevention: Tips from the Israelis