Police issue guidelines for preventing suicide attacks, how to respond when it occurs

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in different parts of the country, the Sindh police department issued on Wednesday guidelines for volunteers and the general public, identifying the four Ws of suicide bombings.

The police spokesperson said the report was prepared in consultation with other law-enforcement agencies.

The report identifies four Ws of suicide terrorism:  What - a premeditated, politically motivated act of violence perpetuated against intended target by using oneself as a weapon to cause own death as well as large scale deaths in target area; Why - Use of this extreme method of attack is influenced by ideological causes or as a revenge methodology by someone who has grievances due to some personal/family loss or due to the lure of economic gains or social causes; When - suicide terrorism is carried out at the time of mass gathering, at rush hours on softer targets with the aim of causing maximum damage. In most cases, reconnaissance of the area is carried out; and Where - the most common targets are worship places, crowded places including markets, bazaars, parks, etc.

How to identify a suicide bomber?

It is stated in the report that a suicide bomber is likely to be a male between the age of 12 and 24 years from the northern areas. In some cases, a female is used. In most cases, the suicide bomber is of Pashtun ethnicity and clean shaven, dressed like the participants. The bomber wears clothes that are not conducive to the current weather and mostly old. Usually, the bomber wears extra clothes to hide the suicide vest, making him look overweight and his face looks disproportionate to his body.

The bomber usually has dropped shoulders, as he is carrying a lot of weight and will be observing his target or target area. In many cases, the bomber will be holding a tasbeeh to deceive security.

The bomber will be perspiring and frequently looking around and trying to quickly merge with the crowd. The bomber looks fidgety, restless, uneasy and tense. He avoids direct eye contact and look down as he is carrying heavy weight. He pretends to be physically or mentally disabled.

Description of a suicide vest

A suicide vest has vertical pockets to hold explosives and shrapnel in front and back. A detonator looks like a silver cigarette only slightly thicker and had a cord. Attached to it is a wire and battery, mostly 9v. There is a plate switch, a push button or a mercury tube with a pen cap for the switch.

In the bomber’s hands are two plates or a push button. The fist has to be closed to complete the circuit. There is plate in each hand. Both wrists have to be joined together to complete the circuit. The push button types are in the pocket or in the hand.

The button has to be pressed to complete the circuit. On the arm (usually the right one) is plastic drip tube with mercury that is gravity operated.

The bomber raises his arm for “Nara-e-Takbeer” and the mercury slides down to the pen cap to complete the circuit.

Apprehending a suicide bomber

Preferably, two people must engage the bomber from front and behind, without arousing suspicion.

His hands should be spread out to isolate the switches. Gripping the palm from between the thumb and forefinger is an effective way to prevent the bomber from activating the switch. Alternatively, a wrist joint lock can also bring the bomber to the floor. It would help to shout “suicide bomber” so that other can escape and return in about 30 seconds to help you.

Disarming a suicide bomber

Once the culprit has been overpowered, the explosive charge has to be disarmed as soon as possible. Shooting someone in the head will not stop them from detonating, as the brain functions for up to 4 seconds after being shot which is sufficient time to detonate the vest. A stun gun may be used to temporary incapacitate the terrorist. Remove the wire and battery from the detonation components by pulling the wire off the hands and slide it out under a cloth if needed. Do not cut two wires at the same time. Remove the switch and battery. Separate the detonator from the explosives.

Dos and Don’ts

Volunteers on duty must be very attentive and not use cell phones as it distracts their attention.

No photography with cameras or mobile phones should be allowed.

Refrain from forwarding SMS or twitter messages that could spread fear and rumours.

Volunteers must be affable make citizens feel comfortable so that they can cooperate.

Most volunteers know the community members, so it is easy to convince them that special security steps have been taken and it are necessary.

Volunteers must be in contact with each other so that they can help each other in an emergency situation.

CCTV camera must be installed at important positions.

After an attack

Following an attack, lay flat on the ground. The splinters are likely hit head or torso which can cause death. Keep your mouth open and breathe in small intervals. The blast wave fills enormous pressure in lungs and ruptures them. Internal bleeding is the major cause of death in blast cases. So do not hold your breath. One event can be followed by another, so do not rush towards the blast scene and cooperate with police and rescue officials.

Avoid using matches and lighters and electrical devices as they can trigger further explosions.

Vehicles and parking

The parking area must be 100 to 300 metres away from the venue.  All vehicles must be checked properly. Ensure no vehicle is left unattended.

First verify number plates of suspicious/abandoned vehicles immediately with CPLC on the following numbers (021) 35682222 and  (021) 35676666.

Particularly check vehicles with flag poles, fancy plates or displaying government (GS, GA, GH , SP) or a political party plaque.

Physical checking of a suspect vehicle requires great caution. Vehicles with tinted glasses must be check.

Explosives are normally fitted in the cavities of the door, under the seats, in the roof cavity and the trunk of the car. Check for any loosely fitted panels, tape, loose wires, etc.  Knock and check the sound. It should be hollow.

Suspicious objects

The recent trend in Pakistan especially in Karachi is that improvised explosive devices are hidden inside construction bricks, pressure cookers and tennis balls. These
bricks look like ordinary construction bricks, or like crete (envicrete/hubcrete) bricks, Look for objects out of place or surroundings.

If you find a suspicious object, evacuate the area immediately (1km is a safe distance) and notify the bomb disposal unit immediately.