Learning from Terrorist Tactics: Spotting Suicide Bombers

When I decided on this subject, I initially was prepared to do a ton of research and fact checking, but then it hit me one day:  I really have to look no further than Israel and their Counter-Terrorism Networks to get the “scoop” on this subject! After all, they have been dealing with and neutralizing this type of threat for 30 plus years, unlike America, whose Counter-Terrorism experience (not Knowledge) is virtually zero, so far in dealing with actual terrorist cells within their own borders.

Israel is and has been so successful in defending themselves against those who would do her harm by the fact the ENTIRE COUNTRY is involved in its defense, from the 18-year-old on up.  Much like Ancient Greece, the “citizen soldier” is on call 24/7, ready to fight, ready to serve their country. This “martial mentality” has served Israel well since its inception in 1948 to today, as everyday citizens are trained to know what to look for and to report the slightest suspicious terroristic activity.

It also helps that Israels Internal Intelligence Service, the Shin Bet, is one of the worlds best in gathering useful, actionable intelligence by utilizing a combination of HUMINT (Human Intelligence or Deep Cover Operatives and Informants) and SIGINT/COMINT and ELINT (Signal/Communications and Electronic Intelligence) so that terrorist plans can be stopped BEFORE they are ACTED UPON.

Although in the past the target of most suicide bombers has always been places where large numbers of people congregate, such as mass transit (bus, plane, train) shopping malls, sporting events, religious sites (Synagogues and Churches), Terrorist are at their core, opportunistic, and look for any opportunity to do harm if possible.

Also know that these Terrorist frequently “scout” out an area before an attack.

Recently, in Moore, Oklahoma (a town only 16 minutes from Oklahoma City, where a woman was beheaded by a militant muslim connected to ISIS at her workplace) an unidentified man walked into a high school without permission.He was seen by teachers and students casually strolling around, examining the schools interior. Police later found the man and noted during questioning that he was of “middle eastern descent with a very thick accent.” Police said he was cooperative and faced no criminal charges. Read that story HERE.

Bottom Line guys, regardless what Law Enforcement does or does not do, know that this kind of red flag behavior is not normal and should not be tolerated in your community! In order to stop future Acts of Terror in this country, we, like Israel, are going to have to get Pro-Active, and that means ALL OF US, not just Law Enforcement. One of the reasons Israel has been so successful in stopping Terrorism is that the entire citizenry have took it upon themselves to be the first line of defense against terrorism. Add to this the fact that they have made up their minds to go HANDS-ON if the situation calls for it in addressing suspected threats. As Americans, we have to adopt the same mentality if we expect to survive another decade.

Here is the “BOLO” List or “BE ON THE LOOKOUT” for Suicide Bombers:

• Wears loose clothing giving the impression that the body is disproportionately larger than the head or feet.
• Wears heavy clothing, no matter what the season (out so season dress)
• Has unusual gait, a “robotic” walk. Stiff movements, lack of mobility of lower torso or decreased flexibility (from wearing bomb device – however backpacks are increasingly common.
• Display of tunnel vision. The bomber often will be fixated on the target and appear nervous, preoccupied, or have a blank stare.
• He or she appears to be focused and vigilant and may be fervently praying to him/herself – giving the appearance of whispering to someone.
• Displays no response to authoritative voice or direct salutation.
• Behavior which may be consistent with no future – unconcerned about receiving purchases or change.
• Walk with deliberation – but not running – towards a visible objective.
• Demonstrates forceful actions (to reach a desired target by pushing their way through a crowd or into a restricted area)
• Displays signs of drug use – including, for example, enlarged pupils, fixed stare, and erratic behavior.
• Carries bags or backpacks (used to carry explosives, nails, and other shrapnel). The bomber generally holds his or her bag or backpack tightly. Wires or switches sticking out of the bag.
• Has a fresh shave – a male with a fresh shave and lighter skin on his lower face. May also have shaved his or her head or have a short haircut (This may be done to disguise appearance or to be better groomed when going to paradise).
• May smell of unusual herbal/flower water (in order to smell better when going to paradise).
• Has a hand in the pocket or tightly gripping something like a triggering device.
• Shows evasive movements
• Most are males aged 16-30

CO’s, It is PAST TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!

They have already started beheading people, and irregardless if the Govt. wants to call it “Workplace Violence” or “Terrorism”, all that matters is WHAT YOU DO FROM HERE ON OUT TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY!

Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!