Combating Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED)

Combating Vehicle Borne
Improvised Explosive Devices
(VBIED)
A DIIA Special Report.
Captain S White, Defense Analyst views
HC Security Solutions – UK
Terrorism around the world is on
the increase. The world’s intelligence
community, often learning from costly
mistakes due to underestimation of
threats, lack of cooperation with their
other own home based departments or
international agencies – are now getting
their
act
together
and
showing
encouraging success in the ongoing
battle against those who wish to explode
their twisted philosophies on innocent
passers by.
Norway: Car bomb 22 July 2011
On the 22nd of July 2011, a car bomb exploded in Oslo within Regjeringskvartalet, the
executive government quarter of Norway, at 15:25:22 (CEST) without warning. It was a total
surprise to all. The bomb was made from a mixture of fertiliser and fuel oil and placed in the
back of a car. The car was placed in front of the office of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and
other government buildings. The explosion killed eight people and injured at least 209 people,
twelve of them seriously. At the time, apart from a few bollards, there was no established
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) program in place, anti-vehicle barriers deployed or tight
restrictions on entry to the area. A second attack occurred less than two hours later at a
summer camp on the island of Utøya in Tyrifjorden, Buskerud. The camp was organized by the
AUF, the youth division of the ruling Norwegian Labour Party. A gunman dressed in a
homemade police uniform and showing false identification gained access to the island and
subsequently opened fire at the participants, killing 69 of them, and injuring at least 110, 55 of
them seriously; the 69th victim died in a hospital two days after the massacre.
Unfortunately, no matter how many times authorities succeed in thwarting a terrorist attack,
the terrorist only needs to succeed once. Make no mistake, well organized terrorist
organizations, the hardened individual fanatic and those vulnerable youngsters who have been
quickly brainwashed by religious extremists and Al Queda propaganda have only one thought in
mind – to ensure that their act of terrorism causes the highest loss of life, maximum
destruction and injury whilst motivating as much news coverage as possible. Well aware of
new, improved security measures put in place at in many countries at high profile
establishments – government offices, military bases and international venues as example – the
terrorist’s attention has now turned towards softer targets. Unfortunately, there are still many
soft targets around the world that have not yet taken the most basic ‘defensive measures used
to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and property to terrorist acts, to include limited
response and containment by local military and civilian forces.’
With soft targets of course, terrorist’s aims are the same – to cause death, mass casualties,
total destruction and panic as they bring attention from the world’s media to their cause. One
effective way that they can achieve this is by the Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device –
a VBIED.
As a navy man and author of this report, I have gained some experience of maritime counterterrorism methodology or putting it simply - offensive strategies intended to prevent, deter,
pre-empt, and respond to terrorism. In other words, counter-terrorism is a set of techniques for
denying an opponent the use of terrorism-based tactics, just as counter-air is a set of
techniques for denying the opponent the use of attack aircraft.
Anti-terrorism is defensive, intended to reduce the chance of an attack by those using terrorist
tactics at specific points, or to reduce the vulnerability of possible targets to such tactics.
Of course, whilst at sea, you are more likely to find your ship attacked by a fast RIB (rigid
inflatable boat) carrying explosives rather than a truck or car but in port - if the wrong vehicle
gets through port security, then be prepared to see the headline: ‘Ship Devastated By
VBIED.’
Defense
Interaction
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HC Security Solutions
The Highlands
Detling Hill
Detling
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 3HT
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 734215
Fax: +44 (0) 1622 735106
Email: [email protected]
UK & Ireland Enquiries
Nigel Bullock
Tel: +44 (0) 1531 632 273
International Enquiries
Ben Duncker
Tel: +44 (0) 7738 997 688
Email:
[email protected]
Skype: ben.duncker
www.hcsecuritysolutions.com
Keeping Threats at Safe Distance
A well made Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) is deadly.
Even if the bomb fails to detonate, the resulting loss of life or injury to those in
the vicinity, damage caused by a vehicle travelling at high speed – through the
glass front of a building for instance – and the probable following fire can be
devastating.
It makes sense to consider using robust physical barriers to keep all but authorised vehicles at a safe
distance. It is critical to have a clear understanding of the possible threat vehicle and attack method in
order to design the most proportionate countermeasures for your premises. Of course, vehicle-borne
threats can range from aggressive attacks by determined terrorists or fanatics, with the load-carrying
capability and manoeuvrability of a vehicle that enables delivery of a potentially large explosive device
or if you do not have a Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) program in place, then a terrorist can simply
quietly park and abandon his deadly cargo for an immediate or delayed, timer, wire or radio controlled
explosion. On the other hand, the threat might simply be a ram-raid by criminal elements simply intent
on accessing valuables held in your building. Then of course, opportunistic vandalism is not uncommon.
Whatever the threat, one things for certain, anti-vehicle barriers, bollards plus pedestrian portals
together with a wireless monitoring system that enables you to monitor multiple sites from your laptop
or PC via secure ‘cloud’ web-based network, with 24/7 real time vision and data are the minimum
security measures you should have in place.
Photo above: Glasgow Airport June
2007. A car carrying an explosive
device is driven into the terminal
building. Thankfully the device did not
detonate but there was a resulting fire
from the crash. An enhanced HVM
program has now been established.
There are of course many products on the market but before you rush out and purchase the first barrier
or bollard you see, you really need to consult an expert who can advise you as to the best security
solution for your specific needs. Remember, there is no “one size fits all” response as with each and
every situation an informed and specific solution is essential. In addition, threat levels as well as
terrorist methods evolve over time, and as a consequence, necessitate consideration to both current
and future security needs.
DIIA asked security expert - Nigel Bullock, Managing Director of HC Security Solutions
(HC SS) in Maidstone Kent UK – for his thoughts on establishing the most effective Hostile
Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) program.
Photo above: HC SS SecureGuard30
End Anchor Test
Nigel suggested that “Successful security is most effective when implemented on a number of
geographic layers. In terms of HVM, layers can feature access control and vehicle management
on a district level, design of approach routes, further vehicle management and stand-off
distances within the local site context and finally, control of stand-off distances and secure
threshold design to the immediate vicinity of the asset.”
Providing your premises with adequate security from VBIED’s is no easy task. Can a heavy
truck breach your barriers? Can a motorcycle squeeze through that gap and threaten your
building across that beautifully kept lawn. Your front entrance might be secure but can the
same be said for you perimeter or rear entrances?
What’s more, as Nigel went on to say, “Of course, when it comes to anti-vehicle barriers, apart
from choosing the correct type of barrier for the location in question and the best position for
its deployment, it is paramount that the barrier itself can not only stand the full force of an
attack but can also provide immediate protection from a repeat attack.”
“Our SecureGuard system provides both portable and permanent solutions,” Nigel explained,
“and SecureGuard can be installed to many existing site surfaces or, where required, to a
shallow concrete foundation – and that results in MINIMISED INSTALLATION COSTS.”
In fact, leading up to a busy summer 2012 for HVM systems in the UK, the SecureGuard
HVM range has grown considerably, such that HC Security have solutions ranging from a
rapidly installed surface mount system – The RDS (PAS 68 N1G) system, a vehicle and anti
personnel barrier which needs no foundations - to a full perimeter HVM barrier – SecureGuard
50 - with high security anti personnel fence complete with pedestrian and vehicular access
either controlled or un-controlled, which will halt a 7500kg truck impacting at 90 degrees and
80km/h [50mph]
In addition to the shallow anchored steel barrier systems, there is also a concrete block system
– SecureGuard CB which provides full PAS 68 N2 48km/h protection yet needs no foundations
– ideally suited to sites where extensive services or un-even ground and non linear alignments
are part of the design requirements.
HC Security Solutions have certainly
ensured that they are able to offer both
home (UK) and overseas clients a wide
range of products & systems to enhance
protection at your government office,
political rally, military base or border
control. The range of their expertise
allows you to consider using an HC SS
product to secure the perimeter of a
refugee camp to the warehouse
containing relief supplies, from your port
entrance and perimeter to specific
sensitive areas within your free-port.
Military or civilian aircraft hangers – in
fact entire airports can benefit from
SecureGuard. When such systems are
deployed, the public, your personnel or
those in your care (in the case of
emergency aid or temporary shelter
programs following conflict or natural
disaster), all feel and in reality are much
safer.
Steel Barriers
SecureGuard 20 – N2 48km/h - 45º
SecureGuard 20 – N2 32km/h - 90º
SecureGuard 30 – N2 48km/h - 90º
SecureGuard 30 T2 - N2 48km/h - 90º
(Product Upgrade)
SecureGuard 50 – N2 80km/h - 90º
Surface Installed Concrete Block
System
SecureGuard CB – N2 48km/h - 90º
Surface Installed Fence/Barrier (No
Anchors)
RDS
RDS PAS 68 (Still continuing to test
and currently rated at N1G)
Permanent Bollards
HCSS 64A – N2 – 64km/h - 90º
Photo left: HC SS SecureGuard 50 security at a major UK airport
HCSS 80 – N3 – 80km/h - 90º
Please note: The ancillaries such as
Portals, Blockers, Vehicle Gates,
Hinges, Soft Ground Anchors,
Temporary Surface Mount Bollards,
can all be attached to the basic barrier
systems via PAS 68 tested
connections.
Please note: The design of your
1.SecureGuard30 Event Protection 2. SG30 – Party Political Rally
3. SG30 with security fence
In the UK, SecureGuard has
been tested to BS PAS 68:2007
and CPNI, UK Approved. For
United States members of DIIA,
it is worth noting that
SecureGuard has been tested
and approved to BS PAS
68:2007 (16,500lbs vehicle, 90
degree impact angle, 20,30 &
50 mph) and has proven to
withstand
multiple
impacts
whilst maintaining a secure
perimeter. This meets DOS K4
& K12 Standards. The system
also provides a crash friendly
barrier to errant road users
travelling on perimeter roads.
Photo left: SecureGuard CB
Test
facility's access roads may also affect
your barrier selection. Perhaps there is
a sharp bend in the road. If you
mounted your barrier at the right
location just beyond the bend, then no
vehicle would be able to get up to
significant speed before reaching the
barrier. In that case, a barrier rated
for a slower speed might be perfectly
acceptable. Barring such natural speed
limitations however, what criteria do
you use to select a barrier rating? Just
cost? The kinds of trucks typically
found in your location? How fast
nearby traffic is moving? There is no
obvious answer and that is why it is
essential that before you proceed with
your purchase of an anti-terrorism
barrier system that you contact an
expert such as HC Security
Solutions.
So which barrier is right for your application? If you install a barrier rated K4 — which is for a
15,000 pound truck travelling at 30 mph — what will happen if a terrorist attacks with a 10,000
pound truck travelling at 45 mph? In this example, the kinetic energy (KE = ½ mv2) of the
10,000 pound truck is substantially greater then that of the 15,000 pound truck. Since the
standards are based on a vehicle's kinetic energy, a K4 rated barrier would theoretically not
stop the lighter vehicle. No doubt the truck would be severely damaged and probably disabled,
but would it penetrate beyond the point of impact? The rating system can't answer this
question for you.
HC SS Offers
Eagle Eye
Monitoring
The design of your facility's access roads may also affect your barrier selection. Perhaps there s
a sharp bend in the road. If you mounted your barrier at the right location just beyond the
bend, then no vehicle would be able to get up to significant speed before reaching the barrier.
In that case, a barrier rated for a slower speed might be perfectly acceptable. Barring such
natural speed limitations however, what criteria do you use to select a barrier rating? Just cost?
The kinds of trucks typically found in your location? How fast nearby traffic is moving? There is
no obvious answer and that is why it is essential that before you proceed with your purchase of
an anti-terrorism barrier system that you contact an expert such as HC Security Solutions.
Editor’s note: Reports suggest that HC SS are able to offer you reliable advice, expertise in
assisting you to set up an effective security solution that’s cost effective and the company
comes highly recommended from various quarters. That’s not so surprising, HC Security
Solutions is a division of Highway Care Ltd, one of the UK’s leading specialists in road safety
barriers for the Highway Infrastructure sector.
HVM Perimeter Protection Systems/ High
Performance PA68 Bollards
Recently added to the HC Security Solutions range of permanent
HVM products, the HCSS 64A and HCSS 80 PAS 68 tubular steel
bollards offer high performance, durability and a cost effective
solution wherever a threat from criminal or terrorist attack is
identified.
Photo left: HCSS 64A Bollards deployed at a major UK airport
Successfully tested with a 7,500kg truck (PAS 68 Class N2), they provide 30mph [50kph],
40mph [64kph] and 50mph [80kph] impact protection and are suitable for many applications,
including vehicle intrusion protection at supermarkets, cash handling facilities, warehouses etc.,
in addition to usual HVM protected sites: government offices, military bases, high profile
targets. The bollards can be installed as standalone units or in multiple arrays and at a spacing
of 1.2m face to face they provide a PAS 68 compliant HVM perimeter, which will protect critical
infrastructure threatened by VBIEDs. PAS 68 Rating:-HCSS 64A V/7500(N2)/64/90:3.3/0.0
[16,534lbs 40mph DOS K8 L2] /HCSS 80 V/7500(N3)/80/90:10.6/11.1 [16,534lbs 50mph DOS
K12 L1] /[DOS equivalent classification for reference only]
Additional HCSS Solutions: Pedestrian
Portals, Entrance Blocker & Barrier Gates
HC Security Solution's newest addition
to its portfolio, Eagle Eye, delivers
cutting-edge technology simply—no
power, no wires.
Regardless of your HVM program, the
number or quality of anti-vehicle
barriers, bollards or ramps you have in
place – you are dead in the water if
you can’t see what’s going on in your
‘secure area’, are unable to record
events or receive real time alerts of
security breaches.
Eagle Eye enables you to monitor
multiple sites from your laptop or PC
via secure ‘cloud’ web-based network,
with 24/7 real time vision and data. It
comes with options of multiple
sensors: infrared motion to pressure.
Eagle Eye offers SECURITY - it is a
crucial tool for managing security in
remote locations where no power or
wired connectivity is available. Eagle
Eye offers REAL TIME ALERTSoptions to receive live e-mail or SMS
alerts for onsite activity.
VISIT HCSS at:
19/21 November 2012: Highway
Care International Stand 5BO1
READ THE FULL DIIA HC SS REPORT at:
Intersec2013 Dubai 15-17 Jan
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