Suicide Attack

The use of suicide bombers is a very effective method of delivering an explosive device to a specific location. Suicide bombers may use a lorry, plane or other kind of vehicle as a bomb or may carry or conceal explosives on their persons. Both kinds of attack are generally perpetrated without warning. The most likely targets are symbolic locations, key installations, VIPs or crowded places.

When considering protective measures against suicide bombers, think in terms of:

• denying access to any vehicle that arrives at your goods/service entrances without prior notice and holding vehicles at access control points until you can satisfy yourself that they are genuine
• wherever possible, establishing your vehicle access control point at a distance from the protected site, setting up regular patrols and briefing staff to look out for anyone behaving suspiciously. Many attacks are preceded by hostile reconnaissance or trial runs. Ensure that such incidents are reported to the police
• ensuring that no one visits your protected area without your being sure their identity or without proper authority. Seek further advice through your local police force’s CTSA
• effective CCTV systems which may deter a terrorist attack or even identify hostile reconnaissance. Good quality images can provide crucial evidence in court
• there being no definitive physical profile for a suicide bomber, so remain vigilant and report anyone suspicious to the police.