suicide bombers are today’s in the name of martyrdom ... · 2011-01-05 · published a 102-page...

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In The Name Of Martyrdom Female Suicide Squads

There have been recent reports that the Pakistani Taliban has established an all-women wing of suicide bombers tasked to carry out terror missions across the country. This was dramatically revealed when a 12-year-old girl managed to escape from the clutches of the rebels from near the Afghanistan border. Recently the girl recounted the persuasive promise of her brother, a Taliban commander told her saying: “You will go to heaven before any of us, if you blow up yourself the way I tell you.” Points to consider: Her younger sister had already blown herself up in a suicide attack in Afghanistan; however, she managed to escape from the clutches of the Taliban in Charmang when militant’s hideouts were reduced to ashes in a bombardment. Be aware that networks like al-Qaeda have always used women to carry out various auxiliary tasks, but their systematic involvement as high-profile operatives emerged only in recent years. The threat of terrorism has become so pervasive that the centuries-old tradition of automatically excluding women from being suspect in crimes, may have to be revised with the recent ominous revelation of a women’s wing of the Taliban, trained to carry out suicide attacks relying upon surprise and accessibility to targets which has been met by using women. Consider that this is not an isolated incident as the spate of suicide bombings around the world in recent years has shown, that the face of terror is increasingly female. In 1991 a female Sri Lankan separatist killed herself and since then similar bombings have occurred in many parts of the world. Consider that Suicide attacks are the most horrifying form of terrorism in the world today. Extremist organizations are increasingly relying on this tactics to achieve their major political objectives. Traditionally viewed as a problem affecting the Middle East and South Asia, the threat posed by suicide terrorism is spreading around the globe, incurring sympathy from the international community as a whole.

January 5, 2011

Suicide bombers are today’s weapon of choice and have now become the daily fare of the nightly news. Terrorists are using suicide bombers because they are a low cost, low technology, and low risk weapon. Suicide bombers are readily available, require little training, leave no trace behind, and strike fear into the general population.


2011 Called A Critical Year In Terror Fight In his New Year message British Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2011 Britain had to combat its homegrown Islamic extremism, pointing to “the radicalization and poisoning of the minds of some young British Muslims.” Points to consider: Mr. Cameron's stark message comes amid the arrest of nine alleged British men of Bangladeshi origin accused of carrying out reconnaissance on potential targets in London, and in early December, a Muslim who had been living in the British town of Luton was said to have been radicalized at a British University carried out a suicide attack in Stockholm. Consider that intelligence officials in Europe and the US are increasingly concerned about the influence of al-Qaeda leaders in Yemen and elsewhere in the Arabian Gulf using Internet sermons to have help radicalize and poison of the minds of impressionable individuals. Many believe that the latest threat comes from smaller-scale but more frequent attacks, not by sleeper cells but by people who are radicalized on extremist websites, where they also learn to make bombs and handle weapons for use in low-tech attacks on hotels and other sites, which experts believe is the new terrorist norm. Officials are especially concerned about an anti-Western terrorism campaign being waged by Yemen-based jihadists and others, targeting, Western nations. The group's outreach magazine, Inspire, published an article which has been posted on other web sites titled "Making a bomb in the kitchen of your mom," written in English, offering instructions on how to build deadlier bombs, designed to inflict heavier casualties, and even suggesting an effective attack could be waged in urban areas by plowing a car into a crowd

How To Explosives Cook Book Posted Online The al-Qaeda-affiliated Global Islamic Media Front and the Dar Al-Jabha publishing house recently published a 102-page English-language e-book titled “The Explosives Course.” Points to consider: In its introduction, the e-book states that it was compiled and written by students of Abu Khabab Al-Masri, the al-Qaeda explosives expert killed in a 2008 drone attack in Pakistan. The book is essentially a detailed, guide to bomb manufacturing processes, including charts, illustrations, diagrams, and step-by-step guides using common readily available commercial chemicals to create explosives. Another online "how-to manual" is a widely circulated posting the so-called "Jihadi Encyclopedia for the Destruction of the Cross," a series of 10 videos describing how to build a bomb. Both have been posted on terrorist forums, with jihadist sympathizers also posting links to the book on Facebook. Consider that the Internet is a powerful tool for terrorists, using online message boards and chat rooms, as a powerful tool for its cause of jihad, or holy war.

Security Tightened After Deadly Blast Police are preparing for possible attacks on Coptic Christian churches in many parts of the world, after a car bomb exploded at Egypt’s Church of Two Saints in Alexandria, shortly after a New Year's Mass killing at least 21 worshippers and injuring more than 90 others.

Points to consider: There was no immediate responsibility for the attack but tensions have been running high between Egypt's Muslim majority and minority Christians following rumors of a romantic relationship between a Christian man and Muslim woman, which resulted in 10 Christian homes and several businesses to be burned and looted in southern Egypt’s Qena province. Recently an al-Qaeda linked group announced that all Coptic Christians would be "legitimate targets," posting a list of Coptic congregations, who celebrate Christmas on January 7th on extremist’s websites. Consider this horrific attack illustrates the growing rift between Islamic moderates and those prepared to kill and maim in the name of their religion. In the past there have been many instances of strong reactions in the radical Islamic world to most controversial issues. Be aware that radical Islam poses a challenge in the modern world, which is like that of no other radical religious movement, extremists are masters of using controversies for recruiting, and as justification for their violent actions.

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First “Jihad Jane” Now “Jihad Kathie” Officials say an Indianapolis woman dubbed "Jihad Kathie" because of her online posting condemning America has been on the radar of U.S. intelligence officials for years. Points to consider: These are the facts that are known; the 46 year-old U.S. citizen and Islamic convert married a man last year that reportedly is a suspected German jihadist. She has travelled back and forth to Germany to visit him, and has a well-known blog that has had a series of extremist postings on it, most recently a very pro-radical Islamist and Jihadist video posted on YouTube featuring the pair posing with assorted jihadist propaganda, holding weapons along with photos of men accused of plotting attacks against Americans in Germany. Consider that counterterrorism officials are “concerned” about the influence of inspirational figures that reach out online to radicalize new adherents. "Jihad Jane showed that you can become a terrorist in the comfort of your own bedroom," said Bruce Hoffman, professor of security studies at Georgetown University

Deadly Double Bombing Two suicide bombers killed at least 17 people at government headquarters in Ramadi, Iraq recently. Points to consider: Officials reported that a car bomb exploded at a checkpoint, just yards from the main gate to the compound, and then as people scrambled to aid the injured victims, a second bomber approached on foot and detonated his explosive belt. Consider that emergency personnel should always maintain a “situational awareness” of their surroundings, and should remember that secondary devices are a favorite terrorist tactic, often planned to detonate shortly after emergency personnel arrive on scene, targeting the responders.

Anarchist Group Suspected In Recent Bombings Recently a powerful bomb hidden on a parked motorcycle exploded outside two court buildings in central Athens during the morning’s rush hour, damaging cars and shattering windows Points to consider: There was no immediate claim of responsibility for this bombing or another explosion outside the Greek embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but suspicion fell on militant anarchist groups who have members facing trial in Athens next month, but “may be a bid to revitalize the anarchist movement,” international terrorism expert, and a senior advisor to the non-profit research institute Rand Corporation Brian Michael Jenkins said. Consider that experts have warned that violent anarchist groups are showing greater international coordination and have stepped up attacks in the past two years in Europe and elsewhere.

Bomb Squad Targeted Two police bomb squad technicians were killed recently in Thailand’s Sungai Padi district in Narathiwat province, bordering Malaysia, when a suspicious object they were asked to examine suddenly exploded.

Points to consider: According to initial reports once the bomb disposal unit arrived a hidden attacker used a mobile phone to detonate the improvised explosive device (IED). Consider that an IED can be almost anything with any type of material and initiator, which is a mechanism that initiates the electrical charge that sets off the device.


Police Officers Targeted Gunmen believed to be linked to drug cartels recently killed four police officers and injured three others in apparent coordinated attacks in and around the northern Mexican city of Monterrey. Points to consider: Consider that Mexico today, is a country ravaged by a brutally violent power struggle between drug cartels and authorities. Northern Mexico is at the center of a nearly four-year-old war involving rival drug gangs vying for smuggling routes into the US. Police officers, their commanders, mayors and other leaders have increasingly become targets of drug gangs that are seeking to control territory for their operations.

Woman Killed By Parcel Bomb A woman was killed recently when a booby-trapped gift-wrapped box exploded as she opened it in her home in Taguig City, Philippines. Points to consider: A spokesperson for the Taguig City police chief Senior Superintendent said they believe the package was intended for the victim because it had a handwritten note, which read, “To Yvonne. Merry Merry Christmas.” Consider that experts say that the parcel bomb has been in use for nearly as long as the common postal service has been in existence. Letter or package bombs are usually designed to explode immediately on opening, with the intention of seriously injuring or killing the recipient (who may or may not be the person to whom the bomb was addressed). They are hard to stop because you are talking about thousands of packages that mostly do not get checked before they are delivered. Packaging for package bombs takes many forms, ranging from letter bombs to large packages and can come from any source. Indicators that may help identify a package or letter bomb: package has no return address, or return address is different from location where mailed, incorrect spelling, of address or it is poorly typed, package contains restrictive markings such as Confidential or Personal, excessive postage, unusual odor, oily stains on the package, or protruding wires, string, or tin foil, unusual size, shape, weight, or balance of weight in the package, or excessive string or tape used to secure the package.

Explosives Missing After Break-In Kuching District Police are investigating a recently theft of thirty-one bags of ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) explosives from Kakad Quarry in Siburan, Malaysia. Points to consider: Consider that ANFO is a widely used explosive mixture for mining, and civil construction, but there are also many incidents where the ANFO explosives have been used for terrorism including a August 12th car bomb incident outside a prominent radio station in Bogota, Colombia.

Slain Cartel Opponent’s Family Is Targeted Investigators say that a recent arson fire at a family owned business in Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, Texas belonged to relatives of a recently murdered anti-crime crusader.

Points to consider: Consider that bloodshed has gripped many parts of Mexico including Tamaulipas, which shares a 560-mile border with Texas with some of the busiest border crossings in the world. Officials warn that Mexican drug organizations have used explosives and arson, as tools by for purposes of intimidation, enforcement, and retaliation.


Bomb Squad Called When Molotov Cocktails Found The Arapahoe County Bomb Squad was called to the CTG Wireless store in Englewood, CO recently after 10 Molotov cocktails were thrown through the store windows. Points to consider: Englewood police say that at this time we don't have any suspect or information, but that some of the incendiary devices appear to have burned, but did not set fire to the business. Be aware that arson is a very difficult crime to solve; only 15% of arson cases are closed by arrest, and only 2% result in conviction. The biggest problem in solving arson is that evidence is destroyed immediately or altered significantly. Consider that the economic meltdown has taken a heavy toll worldwide. Historically, arson fires increase during times of economic crisis. Furthermore remember that all first responders can contribute to arson investigations. Recognizing that any incident has the potential to be a crime scene, until otherwise determined, trying to preserve potential evidence that may be used by investigators.

Deadly Mid-Air Collision Two people were killed recently when a single-engine airplane collided in midair with a medical helicopter near the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Points to consider: Be aware that first responders are widely recognized as having extremely dangerous and stressful occupations. They often encounter direct danger in situations that are unsafe, violent, and tragic. Consider that aviation related incidents require a prompt response and implementation of both the individual Departments and community-wide disaster plans. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. These incidents also create the need for expansion of the ICS to include a Medical Sector to decide where to set-up both triage and treatment areas.

Jet Explodes On Snowy Runway Three people were killed and 43 others injured recently when a Russian Kogalymavia airlines Tu-154 passenger jet carrying 124 people caught fire Points to consider: Officials say the plane filled with thick, black smoke as it taxied down a snowy Siberian runway forcing panicked passengers to climb over one another to escape the flames before the plane loaded with thousands of gallons of aviation fuel exploded. Consider that in the wake of this tragic incident, it is important to understand that although aviation accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving aircraft require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of aviation-related incidents.

Train Carrying Hazardous Materials Derails The Columbus Fire and Rescue Hazmat team was called to Lowndes County, MS recently after 12 cars of a westbound Alabama Southern Railroad train carrying nitrous oxide, turpentine and methyl phenol derailed and overturned.

Points to consider: Consider that methyl phenol (UN 2076) is a crystalline combustible solid (or liquid above 95°F.) with a sweet, tarry odor. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers, acids. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153. Additionally, turpentine (UN 1299) is a colorless flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers, chlorine, chromic anhydride, stannic chloride, and chromyl chloride. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 128. Finally, nitrous oxide (UN 1070) is a colorless gas, slightly sweet taste and odor or a liquid appears similar to water. It is considered nonflammable, but is an oxidizer and may accelerate combustion of other materials. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #122.


Bus Truck Crash Recently at least nine people were killed and several others injured when a passenger bus and truck crashed head-on crash on Pakistan's Indus Highway. Points to consider: Consider that that mass casualty incidents require a prompt response and implementation of both the individual Departments and community-wide disaster plans. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. These incidents also create the need for expansion of the ICS to include a Medical Sector to decide where to set-up both triage and treatment areas.

One Killed In Car Train Collision A 20-year-old man was killed and another critically injured when a train struck their car at a crossing in Chicago’s Longwood Manor neighborhood. Points to consider: Consider that it is important to understand that although railroading today is the safest of all modes of American transportation and, train accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, mass transportation accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment; recognize that this incident highlights the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system.

Horrific Accident Causes Massive Fire A tanker truck driver lost control of his vehicle, which rolled and burst into flames before exploding near Ballina, resulting in the closing Australia’s New South Wales Pacific Highway. Points to consider: Consider that prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving flammable liquids require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of hazardous materials related incidents.

CO Found To Be Cause Of Motel Deaths Authorities have determined that a car running in an adjoining garage was the cause of carbon monoxide poisoning,that killed five teenagers found in a Hialeah, Florida “El Presidente” Motel room. Points to consider: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. Consider that Statistics show, on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO, and with winter approaching responders should be aware to its hazards.

Hazmat Called To Biodiesel Plant Blaze A hazardous materials team from the Evansville Fire Department was called to assist firefighters from Ohio Township-Newburgh Fire Department recently at a structure fire at Southern Indiana BioFuels in Newburgh, Indiana.

Points to consider: Responders need to be prepared for large-scale emergencies and be prepared to use the most effective techniques and extinguishing media. Consider fires involving large concentrations of these dangerous substances can generate large amounts of smoke and toxic gases and may require special extinguishing methods.

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Public Services Building Evacuated After Leak Found The Crestview Fire Department’s hazardous materials squad was called to the Crestview Public Services building, after a leak was discovered in a 150-pound chlorine gas cylinder, located in an external storage room which resulted in the precautionary evacuation of the building. Points to consider: Chlorine (UN 1017) is a greenish-yellow gas or a clear, amber colored liquid 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.

Evacuations Ordered Due To Chemical Leak Residents within a radius of ¼ mile of the Latvian Port of Riga were evacuated as a precaution recently, after acetone cyanhydrin leaked from containers at the Baltic Container terminal. Points to consider: Acetone cyanhydrin (UN 1541) is a colorless combustible liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. It is incompatible with sulfuric acid, and caustics, it forms cyanide within the body. For general operational procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #155.

Train Derailment Closes Busy Road Officials say no hazardous materials spilled and no injuries were reported after 11 Norfolk-Southern Railroad railcars carrying methanol derailed recently, forcing the closure of a busy Bankhead Highway in downtown Douglasville, Ga. Points to consider: Methanol (UN 1230) is a clear, colorless flammable liquid with a mild characteristic alcohol odor. It can burn without a visible flame; its release can cause an immediate risk of fire and explosion. Contact with strong oxidizers, strong mineral or organic acids, and strong bases may cause a violent or explosive reaction. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 131.

Hazmat Called After Cars Jump The Track The Sterling Fire Department Hazmat team responded to a Burlington Northern Santa De (BNSF) train derailment in Colorado recently. Points to consider: Based on information in the train manifest, one of the derailed cars was carrying ammonium phosphate, a flammable corrosive liquid. The Hazmat crew’s entry team determined that the railcar in question was undamaged. Consider that ammonium phosphate is a non-flammable white solid (crystals or granules) with weak, ammonia like odor. Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, burning may produce ammonia and oxides of phosphorus.

Fire Service Called To Chemical Spill At Airport Firefighters were called to Airwork (NZ) Limited helicopter repair depot in New Zealand’s south Auckland’s Ardmore Airport after chromic acid spilled from a storage tank.

Points to consider: Chromic acid (UN1755) is a strong acid and oxidizing agent. It can react violently with most metal powders, ammonia, ammonium salts, phosphorus, sulfur, acids, finely divided organic compounds, flammable liquids. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #154.


Inside The Mind Of A Suicide Bomber According to a researcher in a study on Palestinian would-be bombers who failed to carry through with their attacks, suggests that they seem to have certain personality characteristics that make them more likely to be recruited to or to volunteer for suicide-bombing missions.

According to Dr. Ariel Merari, head of the Center for Political Violence at Tel Aviv University, who has studied every suicide bombing in the Middle East none of the would-be suicide bombers interviewed suffered from a psychosis, but the only abnormal thing about them is, a total absence of fear. Consider that suicide terrorism is a problem that experts predict will remain a major threat for years or even decades to come. Traditional studies of terrorism tend to treat suicide attacks as one of the many tactics that terrorists use and not shed much light on the recent rise. Experts say there are many motives for suicide attacks: religious beliefs, nationalistic ideologies, obedience to charismatic and authoritarian leaders, or desire for political change. The modus operandi may vary, one or several suicide bombers, men or women, the explosives can be concealed on the human body, on an animal, or in a vehicle. The targets can be government officials, military targets, economic installations, or public transport vehicles, while the level of operations can range from scores of attacks to solitary or sporadic attacks. For most of the organizations that have used these tactics, the common denominator is their success in causing large-scale casualties and negatively influencing public morale, while at the same time forcing governments to surrender to their strategic demands. Consider that Islam forbids killing except in certain circumstances such as in self-defense, or in response to another killing. Even then Islam counsels forgiveness, or compensation for the victim's family. One theory that prominent academics have argued, and should be considered is that almost 90% of radical jihadists, including most of the al-Qaeda leadership, have had no formal religious education, are unqualified in Islamic law and theology, and interpret religious texts according to their own whims and desires. Additionally, a society's sympathy for suicide terrorists, or the cultural glorification of the actions of past suicide bombers tends to breed more potential candidates, especially from areas with widespread conflict, which tend to be fertile grounds for the recruitment of suicide terrorists.

suicide bombers are today’s in the name of martyrdom ... · 2011-01-05 · published a 102-page...

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