SUICIDE ATTACKS BY ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS
Using Intelligence for Prevention
SUICIDE ATTACKS BY ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS
Using Intelligence for Prevention
Dr. David L. CarterMichigan State University
Perspective—Suicide AttacksPerspective—Suicide Attacks
1983 Hezbollah in Lebanon Mid 1980s – 2001 "Tamil Tigers”
over 200 attacks before the 2001
1993 – 2000 around 200 suicide attacks in Israel by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Fatah and PFLP
1995 Egyptian Jihad – attacks in Croatia and Karachi, Pakistan
1998 al-Qaida two simultaneous suicide attacks against U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killing 252 people and injuring more than 5,000
2000 Chechen militants fighting against the Russian army joined the circle of suicide bombers• To date, Chechen suicide
attackers have committed an untold number of attacks, in which scores have been wounded and killed
2000, a suicide attack believed to have been orchestrated by al-Qaida, used a skiff to pull alongside the destroyer USS Cole, docked in Aden, Yemen
2001 on U.S. soil in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania
PerspectivePerspective
A suicide attack is often viewed as a terrorist wearing an explosives-laden vest, detonating it in a crowded place
Remember: 9/11 was a series of coordinated suicide attacks• Hence vest bombs are not the
only suicide attack method
Goals of this PresentationGoals of this Presentation
Provide perspective whysuicide attacks occur
Provide insight on themotivations and thoughtprocesses related tosuicide attacks
Examine trends insuicide attacks, includingthe probability of futuresuch attacks on the U.S.
Provide a model on howsuch attacks can be prevented through intelligence
Perspective: The Suicide MethodologyPerspective: The Suicide Methodology
Suicide attacks – an intentional strategy to accomplish terrorists’ goals
Not a product of…• Lone radicals or• The mentally ill
Challenge: Move beyond “western logic” to understand these attacks
Motivations for Suicide AttacksMotivations for Suicide Attacks
First: Motivation of the individual• The individual demonstrates a commitment to his/her religious
beliefs• Shows commitment to the “holy war” by giving up his/her life• Seeks a personal reward and/or seeks salvation in exchange
for performing the attack Second: Motivation by the terrorist organization that
receives both tactical and strategic benefit from the attacks• Careful balance of the terrorist organization’s need and use of
the attack intertwined with the largely religious motivation of the individual to voluntarily be a suicide attacker that makes such acts successful
Individual MotivationsIndividual Motivations
An afterlife that is flush with those things that are missing in their home on earth• e.g., plenty of water, lush plant life, and peace
Martyrs may bring seventy people to this lush afterlife• Hence the act is ensuring a place of eternal serenity for their
family and friends. Many of the suicide attackers are single males who believe
they will be married in the afterlife to one of the seventy-two women they will receive as a reward for martyrdom• Each of these women will remain forever young and forever
virgin• There have been a number of cases where the family of the
attacker will hold a wedding reception in order to celebrate the marriage after the suicide attack
Individual MotivationsIndividual Motivations
Other reasons…• Some suicide attackers – notably
women – commit act as reparation for dishonor, such as committing adultery
• Identifying and using such women has been a rational decision by terrorist leaders
Viewed as a way to surprise law enforcement and intelligence community
Individual MotivationsIndividual Motivations
Other reasons…• Family may receive money as
payment for the attack • Hamas followers know they will
have to give something to“the cause” in order for their group’s goals to be met
This includes volunteering as a suicide attacker
• Often viewed as being prestigious to be selected for such an important assignment in the “struggle with the kuffar”
Individual Motivations-MartyrdomIndividual Motivations-Martyrdom
Jihad essentially means a religious struggle, whether it is by an individual who is struggling with a personal temptation or at a group level to overcome injustice• Islamic extremists, interpret the
actions of Israel and the United States to be threats to the sanctity of Islam justifying jihad
If a Muslim gives his/her life in support of the jihad, that person becomes a shahid (martyr)• Receives salvation• Also a source of pride
Individual Motivations-MartyrdomIndividual Motivations-Martyrdom
Excerpt from article in Al-Khansaa published by Al Qa'ida's Arabian Peninsula Women's Information Bureau - calls on women to participate in jihad.
One writer stated, in part:• We stand shoulder to shoulder with our men, supporting
them, helping them, and backing them up. We educate their sons and we prepare ourselves. We will stand covered by our veils and wrapped in our robes, weapons in hand, our children in our laps, with the Koran … directing and guiding us. The blood of our husbands and the body parts of our children are the sacrifice by means of which we draw closer to Allah, (emphasis added) …
Individual Motivations-MartyrdomIndividual Motivations-Martyrdom
Being a shahid is considered an honor to the individual and the family
Palestinian children are socialized about this from an early age• Martyrdom is glorified – it is
viewed as something to strive for
• It also has the support by many parents
Children are urged to be shahid
Individual Motivations-MartyrdomIndividual Motivations-Martyrdom
In sum, reasons for individual motivations:• Martyrdom• Redemption• Salvation• A better life for
Oneself One’s family
Appears to have become aself-perpetuating subcultureof martyrdom
Motivation of the Terrorist GroupMotivation of the Terrorist Group
For suicide attack to be successful, the terrorist organization is crucial for• Planning• Acquiring weaponry• Choosing operatives• Targeting• Executing the attack
Remember, suicide attacks are viewed as a strategic weapon by terrorist organizations
Motivation of the Terrorist Group-1Motivation of the Terrorist Group-1
It is difficult for the government to develop a strategic response to a suicide attack• Traditional counterterrorism approaches – target
hardening or interdiction of operations – will not work
Virtually no “intelligence chatter” No overall doctrine or “order of battle”The attacks are unpredictable
Motivation of the Terrorist Group-2Motivation of the Terrorist Group-2
Suicide attacks generally result in a larger number of casualties than do other types of attacks
This increases…• Physical effects of attack (loss of life and
destruction)• Psychological damage to the target
Motivation of the Terrorist Group-3Motivation of the Terrorist Group-3
Suicide attacks usually attract more publicity than do other types of attacks• Suicide attacks tend to focus on soft targets
Large number of victims ensures public attention
• The attacker is part of the story
Motivation of the Terrorist Group-4Motivation of the Terrorist Group-4
The use of suicide attacks maximizes the effect of the bombing• If there is no need to provide an
escape route for the attacker, thecomplexity of the plan is greatlyreduced
• Suicide attackers can often get closer to the target at the desired time than can other attack methods
• The person is a “thinking platform” that can negotiate obstacles, change locations as needed, focus on and get near specific targets to maximize damage, and precisely detonate at the point to maximize casualties
Motivation of the Terrorist Group-5Motivation of the Terrorist Group-5
Suicide attacks can be especiallyintimidating for the target population• Given the nature of the attack itself
and the character of soft targets, itis a “force multiplier” with respect tothe psychological effect it has
Remember: Those who advocate suicide attacks and those who commit the attacks believe that these actions are morally justified for the greater good of Islam
Suicide Attack TrendsSuicide Attack Trends
1990-2000 Israel experienced 35 suicide attacks
Since the al-Aqsa Intifada in September 2000 through March 2004, there were 256 suicide attacks in Israel
Nearly a third of these attacks (31.6%) were against “soft targets”• Difficult to defend• Virtually impossible to forecast• Soft target is a force multiplier
TARGET OF ATTACK
NUMBER OF ATTACKS
Public buses 29
Crowded places 25
Shopping malls 9
Bus stations 8
Restaurants 6
Trains 3
Police & military 176
Suicide Attack TrendsSuicide Attack Trends
We have made good progress in protecting critical infrastructure – what about soft targets?
The words of an al-Qaida sympathizer a year after the 9/11 attacks resonate a chilling warning:
“We are proving the kuffar [infidels] in Washington wrong. They said al-Qaida would be finished. But we are emerging stronger and will hit America's shopping malls, stadiums and kindergartens. This is our promise.” Saudi refugee, Jamal Waheeb in USA Today, September 9, 2002
June 14, 2004 the U.S. Department of Justice indictedNuradin M. Abdi for providing material support toal-Qaida which included the alledged intent to detonatea bomb at a shopping mall in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Suicide Attack TrendsSuicide Attack Trends
July 14-September 19, 2004, there were thirty suicide attacks reported in the international news media
These attacks reported 352 people killed and 904 injured• An average of 5.3 people killed and 13.5 people injured
each day by suicide attacks during this period. Since September 11, 2001, suicide attacks have been
reported on every continent except Antarctica• At least twelve different terrorists’ groups
claiming responsibility All of these groups represent Islamic
extremism
Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.
In the eyes of terrorist organizations, suicide attacks have been “successes”
U.S. is a stated target of Islamic extremists
It is reasonable to conclude that the U.S. will again be targeted by suicide attacks, based on several factors…
Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.
1. The U.S. was the victim of a massive suicide attack on September 11, 2001
2. Terrorists’ organizations view suicide attacks as effective because of the ability to maximize target penetration and kill more people
3. The nature of the suicide attack feeds media coverage, and consequently magnifies the fear of terrorism (e.g., a “force multiplier”)
4. In the last four years, suicide attacks have been used in an ever-widening international circle on every continent except Antarctica
5. The wide use of the Internet by Islamic extremists for all types of purposes, includes significant support for suicide attacks. In turn, this fuels the “celebrity” of martyrdom for deeply religious, anti-west impressionable young Muslims
Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.
6. The United States is replete with soft targets that have virtually no security whatsoever
• The types of targets preferred by terrorists’ organizations that use suicide attacks
7. Suicide attacks have largely become the attack methodology de jeur among Islamic extremist groups
8. As demonstrated by the large number of suicide attacks that have occurred in recent years – many times with multiple suicide attacks in one day – there appears to be a robust number of individuals who will volunteer to be a suicide attacker
Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.Suicide Attack Threat to the U.S.
9. Islamic radicals have unequivocally stated the desire to strike in the U.S.
10. The increased suicide attacks by Islamic radicals since 9/11
11. The intense hatred directed toward the U.S. by these extremists,
12. Collectively, it is logical to assume that future assaults on U.S. targets will include suicide attacks
Character of Suicide AttacksCharacter of Suicide Attacks
Two types of pre-attack indicators• Indicators of an
imminent attack The attacker is “armed”
and in route to the target
• Indicators of attack planning
Since 10/1/ 2000 over 400 terrorist attacks prevented in Israel
Character of Suicide AttacksCharacter of Suicide Attacks
Key element in prevention is intelligence• Raw information is needed
Type of information needed must be communicated to• Police officers• Community members
Will help them know• What is “suspicious”• What to report
Understanding attack methodology is essential
Character of Suicide AttacksCharacter of Suicide Attacks
Behavioral indicators of suicide attacks take two forms:• Religious rituals as part of
the path to shahada (martyrdom)
• Strategic activities designed to help facilitate the attack
Behavioral Indicators - Martyrs Behavioral Indicators - Martyrs
For the glory of shahada (to achieve martyrdom) preparations include:• The payment of all debts and resolving all financial
issues• Closing bank accounts• Contacting family and friends to “close loose ends” and
tell them goodbye• Contacting people for whom the attacker has had a
conflict or disagreement and asking forgiveness for the trespass
• Giving away possessions• A significant increase in meditation and prayer• Taking showers or bathing several times for cleansing
Behavioral Indicators - Strategic Behavioral Indicators - Strategic
New clothes with a secular, western appearance (including women)
Freshly cut short hair Clean shaven Dark glasses Typically quiet and
introverted Focused on the objective
Demographic factors--Israel…• 64% of the suicide attackers
were under the age of 23• 84% were single• 98% were male• Tended to be college
educated • Typically from middle class or
higher families• Devout Muslims
The youngest suicide attacker was 10 years old.
Types of Suicide AttacksTypes of Suicide Attacks
1. Attacker wears a self-actuated bomb as a vest or belt
2. Vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VB-IED) driven by attacker
3. An aggressive assault in an open area using firearms and grenades against intended targets until the attacker is killed by police or military
4. Use of an airplane or other inherently destructive vehicle (such as a gasoline tanker truck) as the instrument of the attack
Planner: Leader who designates an attack including the general location, targets and timing
Bomb maker: Secures raw materials; constructs bomb and detonation mechanism.
Locater: Identifies suicide candidate; recommends candidate to the Planner; solicits candidate upon approval of Planner
Spokesperson. Claims responsibility along with a statement of the purpose of the attack• Provides photographs and/or video of attack to media
Transportation companion. Transports attacker to the location • Provides continued reinforcement of the moral responsibility
the attacker
Suicide Attack Team MembersSuicide Attack Team Members
Working With the Muslim CommunityWorking With the Muslim Community
American Muslim Public Affairs Council, states:
“Present clear, unambiguous suggestions to citizens who want to assist in law enforcement efforts. The public needs to understand more clearly what it means to be vigilant and itneeds clear directives on how toreport suspicious behavior. Federaland local agencies must providespecific tips on recognizing criminalbehavior while discouraging hoaxesand vigilantism. These guidelinesmust be easily accessible on hardcopy as well as on the web .”
Working With the Muslim CommunityWorking With the Muslim Community
ODP Guidelines for Homeland Security, state:• Provide examples and materials that may aid the recognition of
terrorism to community policing contacts in order to make members of the community aware of those actions, behaviors and events that constitute “suspicious”.
• Ensure that members of the community areaware of the means of and processes forrelaying observed data to police officers andpolice organizations, just as they are, orshould be, aware of methods to relayinformation to Community Policing officers.
• Encourage prevention, proactive policing,and close working relationships between thepolice and the community
Working With the Muslim CommunityWorking With the Muslim Community
Examples of success:• “Operation Rainbow”
of the London Metropolitan Police, Counterterrorism Division
• Community Patrols of the Israeli Police
CASE STUDY:Suicide Attacks – Istanbul (Nov 2003)
CASE STUDY:Suicide Attacks – Istanbul (Nov 2003)
Four suicide attacks in four days in Istanbul, Turkey
The attacks by al-Qaida were coordinated
Targets represented Israel and the West
Deaths Injuries
Neve Salom Synagogue 11 87Beth Israel Synagogue 15 134British Consulate 15 139HSBC Bank 27 380TOTAL 68 740
Istanbul Suicide Attacks (Nov 15 & 20, 2003)Istanbul Suicide Attacks (Nov 15 & 20, 2003)
Confiscated in the InvestigationConfiscated in the Investigation
5 Kaleschnikov AK-47 rifles with (9) magazines
1117 BULLETS FOR AK-47 3 - 7.65 mm hand guns with (29)
bullets 2 Pen Guns 2 Shotguns and ammunition 800 Pounds Hexa Methylene
Tetramıne (Main Chemical Ingredient for the explosives)
150 Pounds Penta Erıtrıtol-M (Chemical Ingredient for explosives)
150 Pounds Sodium Carbonate (Chemical Ingredient for explosives)
Different types of acids as chemical ingredient for the explosives
Laboratory equipment to handle the chemical materials,
700 feet electric cable to wire the explosives
16 sticks of TNT, (19) Dynamite Capsules, (80) feet fuse
2 Fog Bombs 22 hand radios for
communication Forged documents, passports,
drivers’ licenses and other types of forged identification
89 large detergent barrels as camouflage
Istanbul Suicide Attacks (Nov 15 & 20, 2003)Istanbul Suicide Attacks (Nov 15 & 20, 2003)
294 people were arrested who had some knowledge of the plan• 48 of these were “hard core” terrorists
Implications:• The vast amount of materiel – people would have
observed• If this many people were identified who knew about the
terror attack, there were many more out there who had knowledge or saw suspicious behavior
• Educate people what to look for as signs of terrorism• Establish mechanisms for them to communicate their
suspicions OBSERVE ---------- DOCUMENT ---------- REPORT
New Insights on TerroristsNew Insights on Terrorists
Research from Turkish National Police• Over 1,000 terrorists interviewed• 30% influenced to join by family members• 33% influenced to join by friends
These 63% did not join for ideological reasons• Most wanted to leave the terror organization, but did not
because of fear of retribution Implications:
• You can get informants• You can get intelligence
Lessons Learned From Istanbul(From the Turkish National Police)Lessons Learned From Istanbul(From the Turkish National Police)
Terrorist organizations need money for their activities, thus intelligence and counterterrorism activities should have a financial investigations component.
Simple chemical substances may be used in the attacks that are provided easily from legitimate sources.
Terrorists will use false documents while preparing their attacks.
The potential targets must be protected properly and security staff must be trained against the terror attacks accordingly.
Terrorists have good technological and communications skills, including mobile phones, radios, and Internet.
Publications and web sites of the terror organizations must be followed.
Intelligence is essential for prevention and investigation.
Next StepsNext Steps
Have an intelligence capacity in the agency Develop a solid, trusting relationship with the Muslim
community Educate officer and citizens about signs and symbols of:
• Shahid and strategic behaviorsrelated to suicide attacks
• Suicide team members Teach citizens:
• What is suspicious behavior• How to observe• How to report suspicious
behavior
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTSQUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Top Related