Countering Suicide Bombers

The countries of concern with regards the IRGC are the ones that the IRGC has listed as a terror organization because those countries listed IRGC as such. 

Using K9 or other means for explosive detection to find suicide bombers be them in person or being transported by any type of vehicle.

The governmental bodies set and enforce rules and regulations for public and private security which could be state controlled or focused on private sector non-government institutes that set standards.Each country has their standardised training for K9 explosive detection. 

For example, In the UK, the National Occupation Standards BS 8517 NASDU Level 4 certificate for explosive detection handler or for the Private Security Industry from the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme the NCTAS-P is the acceptable standard. 

All other earmarked countries by IRGC should have recognized standards for public and private security.

Now the issue is the nature of the suicide bomber. When there is more reward in death than in life then consider that there is not much of a chance for negotiators to talk down the assailant. The assailant’s eyes are on mission and focused on taking lives.

When researching Intifada 1 and Intifada 2, one could find a mixture of explosives planted with time besides suicide bombers strapped up to manually self-detonate. The sites that were targeted was public transport besides restaurants, hotels and other public venues They were not primarily focused on the IDF. 

Today, the suicide bomber can make use of more tools to achieve their objectives besides some sticking to the old-day techniques. For this discussion, let us stick to physical security and focus on using K9 cannine/dog explosive detection other than using fusional technologies that could be used. 

There are sites of concern which are inline with the mission of the perpetrator. It would be highly probable today that the IRGC would target a military base to destroy assets just like what  the Palestinian Action group did, but instead of painting the site – they would simply blow it up. Also, consider that this applies also to the private sector sites that supply products or technologies to the military. 

There are reputable security companies that provide services or there are in-house security professionals to do that job themselves. Regardless, the security is only as good as the way they think, do and they should have the necessary tools. 

Firstly focus on hardening by layering perimeter security. This could be from entry through the front door whereas security officers could search all people’s bags by hand and/or using metal detectors or x-ray machines. 

Obviously, people can be screened by K9 canines but also vehicles arriving at the perimeter. Professional K9 handlers that are certified would know the methodologies and procedures to make their K9 canine mission ready and focused. 

The question comes now, ‘what would the K9 handler do when explosives are detected on a suspected suicide bomber?’ This should be discussed by professionals. 

Nevertheless, it is suggested to pay attention to the case studies in Israel duing Intifida 1 and Intifida 2, whereas active suicide bombers that were on mission. One case in particular was  when a terrorist was taken down by a private security officer whilst keeping the detonator in hand was kept closed shut.

Let us continue with physical security that is fusional (integratable) technologies working in concert together with other technologies that could identify the threat and automatically mitigate or lower the level of collateral damage. This could be when the explosive payload is being delivered in person by suicide bomber or it could even be remotely delivered by a toy drone but then the Jihad terrorist will not be benefiting from the noble hero’s death rewards.

ISIO |International Security Industry Organization is willing to consider endorsing, introducing and listing relevant stakeholders. ISIO in on mission with CAPSI, IFPO and SASA
(representing 10.2 million security professionals)