IN RECENT MONTHS, SUICIDE BOMBINGS HAVE increased significantly in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. At this time, there has not been a successful suicide bombing conducted within the United States since 9/11. However, current international trends dictate that it remains prudent to study these incidents and develop effective public safety guidelines to deal with them. First responders at all levels must learn to work together to deter suicide bombers from attacking locations in their jurisdictions and to safely respond if an attack occurs.
A September 2003 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bulletin titled “Tactics/Techniques of Suicide/Homicide Bombers” advised: “Occurrences of such incidents overseas indicate terrorist interest in conducting suicide operations. Reasons for this interest include the relative ease with which these operations can be conducted and executed; the psychological impact on a population; and disruption at the scene of the event.”
There are several operational advantages to terrorists using a suicide bomber instead of a remotely detonated explosive:
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