It seems likely that there will be a resurgence of Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on mainland Europe this year, as the sheer volume of plots begins to overwhelm the capacity of intelligence and police resources to manage the threat.Delegates attending ARC Training’s Security Management Stages 1 and 2 courses are being advised to plan for this and to have appropriate contingency responses in place. While it is more likely that public targets, such as airports, the transport infrastructure (stations, airports, buses, trains), sporting events and places of entertainment will bear the brunt of the attacks, bombing incidents in major business districts cannot be ruled out.
The much-hyped-up 2007 Glasgow Airport and London gas-bomb attacks were amateur, and wholly not indicative of the capabilities of many Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists, who possess at least the theoretical know-how to detonate a devastating large vehicle improvised explosive device in the heart of a major city, causing destruction on a scale not seen since the height of the IRA campaign, and loss of life on a scale at least matching the 7/7 London mass public transport bombings.
One contingency planning step that organisations can take is to consider their immediate responses in the event of a nearby bomb detonation. Al-Qaeda has demonstrated an attraction to near simultaneous bomb attacks, and the Atocha train bombings in Spain graphically illustrate how survivors fleeing from the first blasts were fatally caught up in subsequent blasts. Furthermore, experience from Tanzania tells us that a number of people were injured when they assembled at windows to look out on gunfire in the street, which preceded a bomb attack.
Immediately upon being aware that an external blast has occurred, staff should assume that a second blast may follow and should take cover immediately, avoiding all external and internal glazing. A decision should then be taken as to where staff are safest. This requires pre-planning, a good internal communications systems, and a responsible person on duty at all times who can take charge.
For further information on protecting your staff against explosive devices, contact David.
