The terrorist attacks of 2008 in Mumbai provide a number of lessons for emergency-services agencies throughout the world. The attacks, which represented an ever-increasing level of sophistication and ingenuity of terrorist activity worldwide, started during the evening hours of 26 November 2008 when small teams of armed terrorists launched a well-coordinated series of assaults that challenged India’s local and national emergency-services capabilities for four days. The terrorist teams, which maintained radio communications with one another throughout the siege, moved swiftly and brazenly through the famous tourist city, initially firing on civilians and authorities alike before settling into hotels crowded with numerous Western tourists and businesspeople. The last of the hostage/barricade situations was resolved on 30 November, leaving almost 200 fatalities and over 300 injured. The terrorist tactics were relatively basic, but the overall operation was sophisticated. In contrast, the response by local and national emergency services agencies was much less coordinated. The terrorists used the now frequently experienced “multi-prong” approach by combining several IED (improvised explosive device) detonations in some areas with small-arms attacks in other areas. Separate teams used the small-arms fire to create a wider scope of carnage. The law-enforcement and military units responding were frustrated in their heroic but somewhat ineffective efforts to locate and contain the terrorist commando teams. The terrorist teams, using pre-programmed GPS devices, moved through Mumbai’s maze of streets like experienced tour guides. There were only ten terrorists in all; divided into killing teams of two to four, they moved swiftly from one crowded target to another, using taxis and stolen vehicles, but sometimes on foot. At one point, a terrorist team commandeered a responding police vehicle, killing its occupants, including Maharashta Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad chief, Hemant Karkar. Law enforcement should learn from this and prepare. But as the average citizen, we should be on guard and ready to act.
Run. Hide. Fight.
We are told when a shooting starts, those are, in order, the most effective ways to survive. A study done by The Rand Corp. included 65 cases in which people fought back. In 85 percent of those cases, they stopped the gunfire or made the attacker flee. In 12 cases, people rushed the shooter from different directions and in all 12 cases, they stopped the shooting. So be careful about creating a run, hide, fight checklist. If fight is presented in a responsible way, it can be effective. But if we’re relying on 5 people throwing hymnbooks or chairs we may come up short and end up stopping the killer but getting one or two of those 5 shot. But if someone, or “someones”, were trained and armed, things could be different.
By studying the Mumbai attacks, we can better prepare for what may come.
There are some general precautions everyone should take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of terrorism. These include:
Situational awareness – try to be aware of what is always going on around you. This is especially important when traveling in countries with higher incidences of terrorism than the United States.
If you feel uncomfortable with a situation, leave. Don’t be paranoid, just be mindful.
Never accept packages from strangers or allow your luggage to leave your control.
If you notice any unusual behavior, always report it immediately to relevant security personnel.
Any time you’re in a public place, make sure to briefly note the location of emergency exits. They’ll be a lot harder to find in the event of any incidents.
For any possible scenario, emergency preparedness is key. Have cash on hand, emergency food and water supplies, and determine how much ammo you should have as part of building a decent cache of ammunition.
If you live or work in a large building, talk to the owners about getting basic emergency supplies on every level of the building – including first-aid kits, hard hats, dust masks, portable radios with extra batteries, flashlights with extra batteries, and tape to mark off dangerous areas.
Also consider talking to the owners about implementing a security program if they don't already have one. For example, adding metal detectors, cameras, and other items could help prevent terrorism as well as preparation.
These are the most basic precautions any of us can take against the possibility of a terrorist attack.
We live in interesting times. Chances for attacks like Mumbai are becoming higher as the world becomes more dangerous. The precious administration for some reason let in millions of un vetted, undocumented, people. Many of them just wanting a better life but when you let in that many, you’re bound to let in some undesirable and those wishing harm on Americans.
Be vigilant and keep your head on a swivel.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
