Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
front tires or wheels and underneath the car are not immediately visible
unless someone squats down. While attackers can install a bomb behind
any of the tires, statistics show that in most instances, terrorists generally
place the device behind the front tire closest to the driver's seat. This is
not surprising because the closer the
bomb is to an intended victim, the
less explosive is required and, hence,
the smaller the bomb can be. This
is important for several reasons. First,
a smaller device is less likely to be
observed. Second, often terrorists can
acquire only a small amount of explo-
sive material. If a group is contem-
plating multiple bombings, it will
need to be somewhat parsimonious
with its supply of C4 or whatever
explosive material they are using.
This method of placement is also
quite desirable because it can be done
quickly, without the attacker being
exposed for very long. This technique is so quick to accomplish that it can
be used on a vehicle parked on a public road or openly accessible park-
ing area. The method of detonation is generally a simple triggering
device. As soon as the vehicle moves, the trigger (or the pin on a hand
grenade) is pulled and the device is detonated. Although this method is
very common because of the relative ease with which the bomb can be
rigged, it is also very easy to detect the device. All we need to do is to take
a quick look behind the tires, paying extra attention to the area behind
the tire that is closest to the driver's seat. Remember, this positioning will
change between left- and right-hand drive cars.
Exhibit 7.2
Bomb on Top of Tire
Bomb under the Car
The technique of simply placing a large explosive device under a car is
probably the method chosen most frequently by terrorists in a bombing
attempt on a vehicle. Attackers who possess sufficient quantities of explo-
sive materials have used this method quite frequently. The reason for this
is very simple. With enough explosive material, the attackers can assemble
a bomb that is large enough to destroy the car completely and thus ensure
