Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bomb behind the Tire
A common technique used by terrorists attempting a car bomb assassina-
tion of a particular individual is to hide the explosive device behind the
tire as you are facing it (see Exhibit 7.1).
In Exhibit 7.1, a bomb is simply placed behind the wheel closest to the
driver's seat. We have wrapped the “bomb” in white to allow you to clearly
see what we are describing. Don't expect a real bomb to be so noticeable!
The triggering device may be a simple wire that your car pulls as you drive
away. Or a simple pressure switch can be attached to the explosive and stuffed
under the tire. The weight of the tire keeps the switch depressed. When the
Exhibit 7.1
Bomb behind Tire (left) and Bomb behind Tire Close-Up (right)
wheel moves, the switch activates and detonates the device. It is, therefore,
critically important to check underneath the car after you park. If noth-
ing is there when you arrive but something is present when you return,
you may have a problem.
Bomb on Top of Tire
In Exhibit 7.2, the bomb has been placed on top of the driver's side wheel.
Before you think that a bomb like this is easy to spot, consider the situa-
tion of a dark-colored device placed on top of the tire in the evening. Even
this somewhat amateurish attempt will succeed most of the time. People
returning to their cars at night after having dinner out usually do not
spend much time checking their cars. The areas on top of or behind the
