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Indonesia Bombings Illustrate Hotel Vulnerabilities

In the first major terror strike in Indonesia since three suicide bombers hit restaurants on the resort island of Bali nearly four years ago. Terrorists posing as guests struck two luxury hotels with near simultaneous blasts tearing through Jakarta’s Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels, located side by side in an upscale Jakarta business-district leaving nine dead and at least fifty-three injured including several Americans. Jakarta's police chief said several suspects in the bombing were staying at the Marriott and that a third, unexploded bomb was found in one of the individual’s room. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but the sequence of the explosions bears the hallmarks of similar al-Qaeda attacks, with evidence pointing towards al-Qaeda linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as the most likely culprit. Points to consider: Many experts consider Indonesia to be a fertile breeding ground for extremists, referring to JI as al-Qaeda's Southeast Asian wing, capable of opening a second front against the U.S., and their luxury hotels packed with high profile guests. Terrorist attacks on luxury hotels have occurred numerous times in the past. These hotels generally offer travelers more security, but also are tempting targets for terrorists, who’s prime objective is to maximize impact and publicity for their cause. Additionally, hotel owners walk a fine line in an attempt to balance security with the comfort of their clientele, and this attack exposes potential security weaknesses in these “soft targets” which are found to be increasingly in the crosshairs of terrorists. Moreover, be aware of the evolving tactics used by the militants, by posing as guests, and checking into one of the hotels they were able to by-pass the “airport style security” measures in place to ward off attackers. The suicide bombers then assembled their bombs packed with metal nuts in the solitude of their hotel room, then entered crowded dining and meeting areas to detonate their suitcase devices. Consider that this attack underlined the vulnerability of five-star hotels, as well as the attractiveness of such targets to terrorists.

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Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Has been responsible for a series of attacks in Indonesia, including the October 2002 bombings of two Bali nightclubs that killed some 202 people, many of them foreign tourists. Additionally, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said in a recently released report that “there is evidence that some of these individuals are gravitating toward hard-line groups who continue to advocate al-Qaeda-style attacks against Western targets,"


Israel Prepares for Potential Attack on Iran Two Israeli missile class warships have been deployed to the Red sea ten days after a submarine capable of launching nuclear missiles, placing a strike force within range of Iran in preparation for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Points to consider: An attack by Israel potentially could result in serious repercussions, within Iran, across the Middle East, and other areas of the world. To begin with, an attack may strengthen and not weaken the support of the Iranian people toward their government, as they would see the strikes as interference in their country’s internal affairs. Secondly, a strike by Israel on Iran may well galvanize the radicals in the region including Hezbollah to respond in kind with retaliations. Moreover, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez who has certainly embraced an anti-American agenda, and has growing ties with Hezbollah in Venezuela, which is so close to our southern border leads to fears that Venezuela could potentially emerge as a base for operations against the U.S. In closing, consider that in the eyes of many in the Middle East Israel and the US are linked so the potential adverse repercussions of such an action may be too difficult and complex to contemplate beforehand.

Children's Program Glorifies Suicide Bombings The "Young Pioneers" show on Hamas-run al-Aqsa television is well known for pushing the boundaries of suitable content for children. Two years ago, the station created a Mickey Mouse style character that encouraged "violent resistance" against Israel. Now the kids TV show shows children re-enactment the preparation and execution of a mother’s suicide mission. Points to consider: Modeled after Al Manar, which is owned and operated Hezbollah, Al Aqsa TV is a Hamas run television station that began broadcasting in January 2006. The station’s programming, which includes news shows, political commentary, readings of the Qur’an and children’s programming, including music videos. It is watched throughout the Arab world and is also available in other parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe via three satellites. Additionally, many counter-terrorism experts feel that Al-Aqsa TV promotes terrorist activity. An example is that in a female suicide bomber video, after her mother carries out the attack, a little girl holds an explosive and sings to the camera, “I am following Mommy in her steps.”

Mexican Cartel Escalates Drug War In retaliation for the arrest of the La Familia drug cartel's operations chief, drug traffickers have mounted the boldest, most widespread coordinated offensive ever against the Mexican government. The gang recently launched deadly attacks in President Felipe Calderon's home state, killing 12 federal agents execution-style. Points to consider: Mexican drug traffickers are branching out as never before, spreading their tentacles into an estimated 47 nations. Their deadliest drug cartels are said to have reached a combined force of 100,000-foot soldiers, wreaking havoc that has left 5,000 dead since 2006 across Mexico and are threatening U.S. border-states. Consider that in its “2009 National Drug Threat Assessment,” released on December 15,2008 the Department of Justice stated that Mexican drug traffickers “represent the greatest organized crime threat to the United States.”

"Monkey-Wrenching" Triggers Eco-Terror Probe The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been called to a remote British Columbia island recently after an environmental activist "monkey-wrenched" a science project in the Great Bear Rainforest, tampering with high explosives to stop a seismic test blast. Points to consider: Scientists running the Batholiths Continental Dynamics Project, say the protester put himself and researchers at risk by tampering with the experiment which was using 1,000 kilograms of explosives. Consider that, there are two organizations most commonly labeled as "eco-terrorists" within the US: the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). The websites of both organizations, openly advocate tactics including arson, graffiti, sabotage (monkey-wrenching) and property destruction, and say they don't strike to kill, but instead use scare tactics like arson to discourage their enemies. Consider that the increasingly violent attacks of eco-terrorists worry many people. Those familiar with the movement suggest that, although groups are not in the practice of killing anyone, it is only a matter of time before they do.


Terrorists Submersible Found A submersible used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was recovered from the ocean near Mullaittivu, Sri Lanka recently. Points to consider: This is the second LTTE submersible discovery this year, however it is unclear whether these vessels were ever used in any operations. Consider that drug smugglers have used "semi-submersibles" to smuggle drugs into the U.S., now counterterrorism officials fear that terrorists could one day use these stealthy crafts, which are said to be capable of carrying at least five-tons of cargo, to sneak personnel, explosives, or a weapon of mass destruction into the US.

Foreclosure Plague Increases to Record Levels In the first six months of 2009, homeowners have fallen behind on mortgage payments in record numbers. A record1.53 million properties were in the foreclosure process, default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. That was 9% more than the previous six months and 15% more than the same period of 2008, according to a report released recently by Realty-Trac database. Points to consider: Delinquencies and foreclosures have risen despite aggressive federal efforts to curb foreclosures by getting homeowners into more affordable mortgages. According to recent research reported by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business homeowners are apt to walk away from their mortgages once their home values fall 15% below their mortgage balances. The foreclosure crisis has boosted the number of vacant houses in every city. Those properties have become tempting targets for criminal activity and potential increase in arson fires. Consider that, abandonment of property is the most striking indication of neighborhood decline, and fire is intertwined with abandonment as both a cause and undesired side effect. This coupled, with the economic situation impacting on U.S. fire departments, negatively affecting their ability to serve their communities, makes for a potential recipe for disaster.

San Francisco Rail Collision Two light rail transit cars part of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), commonly called Muni collided at the West Portal Station in San Francisco, CA recently, injuring 48 people. Points to consider: There have been several such accidents in the United States in recent months: nine people were killed and more than 70 injured when a commuter train in Washington D.C. slammed into another, and twenty-five people were killed and 130 injured last year when a Los Angeles commuter train collided with a freight train. It is important to understand railroading today is the safest of all modes of American transportation and, train accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, but be aware that mass transportation accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Recognize that these tragic incidents highlight the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources.

Fuel Tanker Explodes A gasoline tanker carrying an estimated 9,000 gallons of gasoline and 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel, exploded underneath a highway overpass near Detroit recently. Flames shot hundreds of feet in the air resulting in part of the overpass to collapse onto interstate-75. Points to consider: Gasoline (UN 1203) is highly flammable colorless to yellow liquid which may be dyed to a range of colors. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Initial operations may include, removal of all ignition sources, and the application of foam to large areas of spilled liquid to control vapors. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #128. Additionally, diesel fuel (UN 1993) vapors may be ignited rapidly when exposed to heat, spark, open flame or other source of ignition. When mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source, flammable vapors can burn in the open or explode in confined spaces. Being heavier than air, vapors may travel long distances to an ignition source and flash back. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 128.


Chemical Spill at Lehigh University Students were working in a first-floor lab at Iacocca Hall at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, which houses the chemical engineering and biological sciences departments, and spilled several chemicals, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Points to consider: Fortunately the chemicals had not mixed, because if they had they would have produced cyanide. Be aware that sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide UN 2014 is a Clear, colorless, odorless liquid that is a strong oxidizing (fire-intensifying) substance, which can spontaneously lead to violent reaction. Be aware excessive heat could cause product to become unstable, and is well known among explosive experts as a potential bomb ingredient. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 140.

UND Chemical Spill Emergency personnel were called to investigate a "strong acidic odor." in a research building at the University of North Dakota’s university's School of Engineering in Grand Forks, ND recently. A hazardous materials team found the source of the odor, a colorless liquid identified as dimethylethanolamine, which had spilled from a beaker in a lab used by the chemical engineering department. Points to consider: Dimethylethanolamine (UN2051) is a clear, colorless, flammable, and corrosive liquid with an amine-like odor. It is incompatible with oxidizing agents, copper, copper alloys, zinc, acids, and galvanized iron. Harmful if inhaled, absorbed through skin or swallowed. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132.

Deadly Ammonia leak A tanker was unloading anhydrous ammonia at a Tanner Industries distribution facility in Lexington County, SC when a hose connecting the truck to a storage tank ruptured, spilling 1,800 gallons of the 7,500 gallons on board. The ammonia quickly evaporated, creating a plume of noxious gas that drifted across nearby U.S. 321, resulting in a passing motorist being overcome by the fumes. Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (UN 1005) has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. Anhydrous ammonia will burn under certain conditions, it is classified as a corrosive liquid and poison gas in other parts of the world Responders to incidents involving anhydrous ammonia will require Level A chemical protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to protect them or to perform rescue. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

Chemical Mix Sparks Explosion Twenty-one people were injured when employees improperly mixed glycerin and sulfuric acid together in a mixing tank at the Columbus Vegetable Oils biodiesel manufacturing plant in Chicago's Humboldt Park causing an explosion. Points to consider: Sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137. Glycerin is a clear liquid with a faint odor. Vapors may be heavier than air, and can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. Containers may explode when heated. Flammable in presence of open flames and sparks, of heat, or oxidizing materials. Explosive glyceryl nitrate is formed from a mixture of glycerin and nitric or sulfuric acids. Perchloric acid, lead oxide, and glycerin form perchloric esters, which may be explosive. Glycerin and chlorine may explode if heated and confined. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #


Powdered Chlorine Spill Hazmat crews were called to the Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg, VA recently when a broken pipe resulted in a powdered chlorine spill. Points to consider: Chlorine powder (UN 1748) is a solid white powder with a suffocating, pungent, irritating odor. Chlorine and water can be very corrosive. Corrosion of metal containers can make leaks worse. Although non-flammable, chlorine is a strong oxidizer and will support the burning of most combustible materials. Flammable gases and vapors can form explosive mixtures with chlorine. Chlorine can react violently when in contact with many materials and generate heat with possible flammable or explosive vapors. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will collect in low-lying areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Limestone Spill A truck overturned spilling its load of 40,000 pounds of limestone (dry cement) on the roadway blocking all lanes of traffic on highway 330 in Running Springs, CA. recently. Points to consider: Limestone/dry cement is an odorless, gray, white, or light tan powder is known to cause mild corrosive effects to skin and mucous membranes. Contact with powerful oxidizing agents may cause fire and/or explosion. Consider that crystalline silica, a component of this product, dissolves in hydrofluoric acid producing a corrosive gas- silicon tetra fluoride.

Nitrogen Leak Nitrogen escaped from a tanker truck in a northeast Portland, Oregon neighborhood recently, when a valve became frozen and malfunctioned. Points to consider: Nitrogen (UN 1066) is a colorless, odorless non-flammable gas. The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is asphyxiation, by displacement of oxygen. Contact with rapidly expanding gases may cause frostbite. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 121.

Train Derailment Four train cars operated by Louisiana and Delta Railroad derailed in New Iberia, LA recently. Two of them overturned, and spilled tons of rice onto the ground, releasing the pesticide phosphine gas that the rice is stored with. Points to consider: Phosphine gas (UN 2199) is used to control a broad spectrum of insects for non-food/non-feed commodities in sealed containers or structures. The end-use product is a colorless poisonous liquefied gas under pressure, and is a “Restricted Use Pesticide” (RUP) due to the acute inhalation toxicity of phosphine gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 119.

Chlorine Gas Leak A one-ton cylinder of chlorine began leaking recently at a water treatment plant in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Seminole Fire and Rescue hazardous material crews were able to first confine the leak to a small indoor area, and then finally seal the tank. Points to consider: Chlorine gas (UN 1017) is heavier than air, with strong irritating bleach like odor. It is a corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.


Office Building Chemical Spill A hazardous materials team recently responded to the Riverview Ambulatory Surgical Center in Kingston, PA, evacuating the second floor after glutaraldehyde leaked from a “penthouse” floor into the ceiling tiles and light fixtures of the second floor. Points to consider: Glutaraldehyde (UN 2810) is a toxic, corrosive, colorless, oily, liquid-chemical with a pungent odor. It is used for a number of applications and is most often used to disinfect equipment that cannot be heat sterilized. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Gasoline Tanker Overturns A Transport fuel tanker carrying about 4,000 gallons of gasoline overturned as it was being towed, in Huntington Beach, CA recently. Fortunately only a small amount of the fuel spilled and firefighters and a HAZMAT crew attached a hose to pump the remainder of the gasoline out of the overturned trailer into another truck. Points to consider: Gasoline (UN 1203) is highly flammable colorless to yellow liquid which may be dyed to a range of colors. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Initial operations may include, removal of all ignition sources, and the application of foam to large areas of spilled liquid to control vapors. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #128.

Overturned Chemical Truck A truck carrying chemicals including chlorine, and iodine overturned in Brandon, Wisconsin recently. A HAZMAT team responded, and after their size-up said their biggest concern was 300 gallons of iodine contained in the truck. Fortunately none of the chemicals had spilled and the chemicals were offloaded from the overturned truck to another vehicle. Points to consider: Iodine UN1759 is considered very toxic if swallowed or inhaled Reactive with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, metals, and is incompatible with Ammonia, acetylene, acetaldehyde, powdered aluminum, active metals, and liquid chlorine. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

False Alarm Results in Explosives Find Recently police responded to a home following a 911 hang-up call, once at the Pulaski County home Somerset Police officers spotted what appeared to be a pipe bomb. The officers called in Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) officials and bomb experts. The ATF searched the home and found numerous supplies used to make pipe bombs, explosive powders, and other bomb making materials were discovered. Points to consider: Consider that the components of a pipe bomb are very easily available and assembled. Additionally, the pipe (metal or PVC) is the casing for a high explosive to improve the capability of the device. Be aware, as with any other explosive device it shall not be disturbed and the safety of civilians and operating personnel is paramount. The most important rule with explosives remains: Do not disturb it. Evacuate the area immediately and ensure that no one reenters the area. Establish an initial "exclusion area". You can adjust the size of the area, if needed, considering the type of explosive, the physical size of the package and the surrounding area Additionally, premature detonation is a common hazard in construction of any homemade bomb, making unintentional detonation incidents common. Remember that upon the discovery of explosives devices at any operation the appropriate agencies shall be notified promptly.


In the Spotlight Jemaah Islamiah (JI) http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/ji.cfm

Mexico's Drug Cartels http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215.pdf

The Threat of Eco-Terrorism http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress02/jarboe021202.htm

Semi-submersible boats could carry terrorists to U.S. shores http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/1153.html

Emergency Response to Anhydrous Ammonia http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/ammoniaspills/default.htm

The IED and VBIED Threat Smart Card http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/army/ied‐smartcard.pdf

Training for Railroad Emergencies http://www.fireengineering.com/display_article/364394/25/none/none/Depar/Training-for-Railroad-Emergencies

Chorine http://www.aristatek.com/Newsletter/04%2008%20August/The%20First%20Responder%20A%20Guest's%20Glance.htm

Biodiesel: The Hidden Fire Hazards http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/environmental_health/pollution_prevention/p2_pdf/eh_salemtwpbiodieselhazards.pdf

Jane’s Mass Casualty Handbook http://public-safety.ihs.com/handbooks/mass-casualty-prehospital.htm

Army Guide – Pipe Bombs http://www.army-guide.com/eng/article/article_895.html

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