Unconventional Weapons Response Handbook

Recognise and respond effectively to the use of unconventional weapons

The use of unconventional weapons is a persistently evolving trend resulting in the spread of terrorist and criminal cells to develop improved tactics. This resource outlines the ability to combat terrorist creating novel technologies. Intended to be a resourceful guide, while bridging awareness gaps, the Handbook may be used in conjunction with state and federal policies and procedures.

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Jane’s Unconventional Weapons Response Handbook is designed for emergency first responders and security professionals responsible for the coordination of counter-terrorist (CT) tactics. Providing training techniques with pertinent information needed to recognize and respond to terrorist, as well as criminal use of unconventional weapons.

The Handbook provides background information of methodical responses to anticipated terrorist occurrences, as well as associated tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). In addition, the Handbook grasps the intelligence of uncommon attack options available to terrorists. Common terrorists weapons and the potential threat they present is revealed, in addition to the recognition of characteristics and effects.

The detailed checklists and procedures outlined throughout the Handbook allow responders to assess, respond and recover from incidents involving unconventional threats, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), conventional military weaponry, radiological weapons, letter, pipe and vehicle bombs, surface-to-air missiles, lasers, radio frequency weapons (non-lethal weapons), nuclear devices, directed energy devices or direct energy weapons. The weapons are categorically configured by weapon purpose and functionality, as guidance is provided for the appropriate response to weapon deployment when under duress.

As an exemplary guide, the Handbook expands in detail on key concepts, such as critical consideration of exclusion zone parameters, secondary devices to include command staff involvement of threats posed by secondary devices.

Key components of the Handbook include:

• Force protection and operational security
• Planning and Mitigation
• Recognition features and indicators
• Response checklists for each type of incident
• Post-incident management and recovery
• Weapon effects and characteristics

Utilization of Jane’s Unconventional Weapons Response Handbook provides responders and those alike with a training tool for preparation to properly assess, respond and recover from both foreseen and unforeseen use of unconventional weapons.

Related Topics

• Radiological dirty bombs
• Grenades
• Rocket launchers
• Adrian Dwyer
• Colin King
• Al-Qaeda
• Asymmetric warfare
• (CBR) chemical, biological or radiological hazard
• (HME) homemade explosives
• Jane’s Chem-Bio Handbook
• Jane’s Chem-Bio Guidebook
• Jane’s Infantry Weapons Yearbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 Overview of the terrorist threat
1.1.1 CBR devices-The approach required to handle with chemical, biological, or radiological hazard.
1.1.2 Targeting by terrorists-Targets that are not well protected are potential high-risk targets.
1.2 The supply of terrorists weapons
1.2.1 Terrorists use of homemade explosives (HME)-Improvised weapons created by terrorists lacking access to significant external support.
1.2.2 The Iraq/Afghanistan effect- Regional conflicts arising from Iraq and Afghanistan.

2.1 Types of device
2.2 Means of delivery
2.3 IED identification
2.4 Component parts of an IED
2.5 Means of initiation
2.5.1 Time-delay devices- The use of standardized means of setting-off time bombs while incorporating a timing mechanism.
2.5.2 Command initiate devices- The element of control for bomb initiation.
2.5.3 Victim-operated devices- The ability to predict actions of victim operated device deployment.
2.6 Main charges and other applications
2.6.1 High explosive and low explosive- Defining characteristics, rate and reaction of high and low explosives.
2.7 Terrorist use of explosives
2.7.1 Commercial and military explosives- Provides detailed information on commercial and military explosives.
2.7.2 Homemade explosive- Explosive oxidizers and fuel.
2.7.3 Liquid explosives- A simple process with a highly-sensitive explosive impact.
2.7.4 Binary explosives- Explosives made possible upon contact of separate substances.
2.7.5 Adapted military ordnance- A recurring feature of actions fought in our near war-zones.
2.7.6 Explosive Initiation- The ability to create an explosion requires explosive material to react by an initiator.
2.8 Power sources
2.9 Military-type weapon systems commonly used by terrorists
2.9.1 Mortars and rockets- Mortars the unguided artillery verses rockets the propelled grenades.
2.9.2 Shoulder launched weapons- Used in the role of direct fire; RPGs are more notably widespread in the hands of terrorist via third parties.
2.10 Chemical, biological and radiological hazards

3.1 Crisis and consequence management
3.2 First responder considerations
3.3 Incident management
3.4 Local assessment and pre-event planning
3.4.1 Assessing vulnerability- The lack of pre-attack intelligence.
3.4.2 Hostile reconnaissance- Terrorists maneuvers prior to an attack.
3.4.3 Vulnerability- Minimal security in targeted locations.
3.4.4 Evacuation- Recognition of potential threat related to a forced evacuation.
3.5 Counter terrorist search (CTS) options
3.5.1 The search team- The command element, search pairs and other assets of a typical search team.
3.5.2 Managing risk- The ability to measure probable consequences of a likely dangerous occurrence.
3.6 Searching buildings
3.6.1 Defensive operations- Venue search or the recognition of present danger in targeted locations.
3.6.2 Offensive operations- The search for terrorists locations.
3.7 Introduction to searching open areas
3.8 Area searches
3.8.1 Rockets and Mortars- Locations under immediate threat of terrorist attacks via rockets and mortars.
3.8.2 Risk management- Measures taken to avoid risk.
3.8.3 Case studies- Examples of terrorist antics
3.9 Searching roads
3.9.1 Moving targets- A successful attack on moving targets.
3.9.2 Route search operation- The ability to establish route safety.
3.9.3 Searches to protect movements- Pre-planning stages of movements targeted by terrorist.
3.9.4 Evacuation considerations- The identification of safe locations.
3.9.5 Railroads- Recognition of legalities of search procedures applied to railroads.
3.9.6 Case studies- Examples of proactive and reactive route searches.
3.10 Searching vehicle
3.10.1 Offensive searches- The ability to safely examine a vehicle without causing unnecessary damage.
3.10.2 Defensive searches- Establish the safety of a vehicle via search for external explosives.
3.10.3 Vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs)- Identification of modified vehicles.
3.10.4 Legal considerations- Legalities of searches and jurisdiction.
3.10.5 Risk management- Identification of appropriate vehicle search.
3.10.6 Case studies- Uses for knowledge of vehicle construction.
3.11 Searching people
3.11.1 Body search- The ability to properly locate incriminating items on a person.
3.11.2 Systematic body search- Assessing legalities prior to a systematic search.
3.11.3 Legal considerations- Acknowledging legal considerations among jurisdictions.
3.11.4 Suicide bombers- Identify appropriate measures to handles suicide bombers.
3.11.5 Case studies- Examples of concealed weapons
3.12 Search equipment
3.12.1 Profiling- A monitoring technique used prior to a search.

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Actions on a find
4.2.1 Ambiguous items- Procedures to identify Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
4.2.2 A confirmed suspicious device- Noting the importance of personal safety post-confirmation of a dangerous device.
4.2.3 Discovery of a firearm- Proper use of firearms as a source of forensic evidence.
4.2.4 Discovery of other forensic evidence- Identifying proper forensic evidence handling procedures.
4.2.5 Bomb scene activity- The layout of a bomb scene and proper safety procedures.
4.3 CBRN Considerations
4.3.1 Confirmation- Covering the range of possible CBRN-related issues.
4.3.2 Incidents involving fast-acting hazards- identification of fast-acting hazards and recognizing the severe damage created by them.
4.3.3 Incidents involving slow-acting hazards- Recognition of suspicious incidents resulting in high causalities.
4.3.4 Considerations related to mailed CBR hazards- Procedural precautions of handling suspected hazardous materials received via the mail.
4.3.5 Outdoor incidents- Proper procedures to follow in lieu of outdoor contamination.
4.3.6 Other considerations- Identifying radioactive agents and the ability to properly handle the situation.
4.4 Integrating response and recovery
4.4.1 Incident completion, demobilization and redeployment- Proper facilitation of a crime scene led by the FBI.
4.4.2 Incident debriefing and after action reports- Documentation of responder activities.
4.4.3 Equipment- Noting what is to can be learned from equipment recovery after an incident has occurred to identify preventative measures.
4.4.4 Clean-up/restoration of normal operations- knowledge of scene clean up and preparation for resumption of normal activities.
4.4.5 Community post-incidents response- The restoration of community confidence in the aftermath of a terrorists attack.
4.4.6 Other agencies- Acknowledgement of other agencies assigned to insure proper recovery actions.
4.5 Media relations
4.6 Managing stress
4.7 Psychological impact
4.7.1 Individual psychological impact- Recognition of physical and behavioral responses to violence and trauma.
4.7.2 Appropriate crisis intervention
4.8 Case studies
4.8.1 Mosque attacks in Iraq- The nature of increased insurgent attacks on mosques.
4.8.2 Attack against refinery in Saudi Arabia- 2006, Al-Qaeda-inspired attack in Saudi Arabia at the Abqaiq oil processing facility using large truck-bombs.
4.8.3 Suicide attack on the London Transport Underground and buses- 2005, UK-born Islamist terrorists attacked four mass-transit targets in London.
4.8.4 Multiple suicide bombing in Jerusalem with secondary device- 2001, two Palestinian suicide bombers detonated their bombs in a high-traffic area in Jerusalem.
4.8.5 Failed attack on two trains in Germany- 2006, the abandoned luggage of two Lebanese men intended to explode on German trains.
4.8.6 Low-level attempted suicide attack in New York- 1997, the suspended suicide bombing of a Palestinian immigrant in a New York subway.
4.8.7 Crime-related pipe bomb in Nevada- 1999, pipe bomb discovered in a tower by Nevada Power employee.
4.8.8 Crime-related abortion clinic bombings in Georgia- The use of secondary devices intended for those who aided victims of Georgia abortion clinic bombings.
4.8.9 Drug-related IEDs in California- Use of IEDs in the Californian narcotics trade.
4.8.10 Terrorist attacks in Spain- Rocket-propelled grenades launched at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.
4.8.11 Terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland- 1996, two vehicle bombs of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
4.8.12 Criminal stand-off attack in France- 2001, ex-convict attacked Beziers, France with a RPG-2, destroying housing projects and police patrol cars, and led an ammunition assault on law enforcement.
4.8.13 Radiological device in Russia- 1995, a buried package was uncovered at Moscow’s Ismailov Park as an intended radiological weapon.
4.8.14 Chemical attack in Florida, Louisiana and Texas- 1998 abortion clinics in Florida, Louisiana and Texas underwent chemical attacks via spraying and pouring liquid chemical agents in window frames and doors.

5.1 Booby traps
5.1.1 Description- Victim-actuated devices that rely on concealment or deception to achieve their aim.
5.1.2 Usage- Knowledge of booby trap tendencies, which are triggered by seemingly safe actions.
5.1.3 Effects- Though most booby traps are designed to initiate detonation the problem is the hidden or unclear initiation.
5.2 Hand grenades
5.2.1 Description- Recognition of grenade types.
5.2.2 Effects- Fragmentation associated with grenade blasts.
5.3 Anti-armor hand grenades
5.3.1 Description- Similar to the Russian RKG-3 series, anti-armor hand grenades use a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
5.3.2 Usage- Due to striking distances of anti-armor hand grenades, attacks will likely involve deployment from high building or structure.
5.3.3 Effects- The grenades are intended to explode on impact.
5.4 Rifle grenades
5.4.1 Description- A standard firearm that launches grenades.
5.4.2 Usage- Used for either direct target in sight or targets in a general vicinity.
5.4.3 Effects- Fragmentation grenades are capable of creating a lethal radius and may penetrate some armor.
5.5 Rocket launchers and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs)
5.5.1 Description- The Russian RPG-7 and those alike are worldly common infantry weapons.
5.5.2 Launcher- Identification of typical launcher materials, physical appearance and capabilities.
5.5.3 Projectile- Identification of typical projectile range, physical appearance and capabilities.
5.5.4 Usage- RPG-7 HEAT warheads are designed to for use in direct-fire standoff armor-defeating attacks.
5.5.5 Effects- Identification of effects are based on the warhead.
5.6 Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADs)
5.6.1 Description- Shoulder-launched short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM).
5.6.2 Usage- Mainly for low-flying targets of short distances.
5.6.3 Effects- Due to intense velocity of the warheads fragmentation projects in all directions capable of causing catastrophic damage.
5.7 Mortar bombs
5.7.1 Description- A majority HE mortar bombs are simplistic and designed for blast and fragmentation.
5.7.2 Usage- The munitions are likely used as an indirect projectile in areas non-visible in firing range.
5.7.3 Effects- The fragmentation effect explodes the steel body in all directs on impact.
5.8 Projectiles
5.8.1 Description- Identification of the range, size and functions of projectiles or shells.
5.8.2 Usage- Unexploded projectiles provide ready-made warheads for use in IEDs.
5.8.3 Effects- Detonation causes the casing of an HE fragmentation projectile to shred in many directions at a high velocity.
5.9 Landmines
5.9.1 Description- Identification of the wide variety, sizes and shapes of landmines.
5.9.2 Usage- Camouflaged, and/or human operated, landmines serve an indiscriminate explosive purpose.
5.9.3 Effects- Fragmentation mines tend cause multiple casualties.
5.10 Explosives
5.10.1 Categories of high explosive- Identifying the subdivided categories of high explosives.
5.10.2 Characteristics of high explosives- High explosives are defined by their ability to detonate.
5.10.3 Propellants- Propellants are found in almost all munitions, but are notably recognized
5.11 Detonators
5.11.1 Primary explosives- The sensitive compounds used in detonators.
5.11.2 Special detonators- Identification of two the types of special detonators.
5.11.3 Secondary high explosives- The powerful and stable substance causing a burst in demolitions.
5.11.4 Military high explosives- Identifying TNT as the most common high explosive for the filing of munitions.
5.11.5 Commercial explosives- Identification of the many types and applications of commercial explosives.
5.11.6 Detonating cord- Description if the thin high explosive line commonly used to connect detonators to remotely placed charges.
5.12 ‘Homemade’ explosives (HMEs)
5.13 Military high explosives
5.14 Radiological devices
5.14.1 Description- Radiation, the invisible hazard that is difficult to ascertain must be identified by detection equipment.
5.14.2 Effects- Identification of nuclear explosions effects as well as physical and psychological effects.
5.14.3 Measuring radiation- Understanding measuring purposes and measurement units.
5.15 Firebombs ad incendiary devices
5.15.1 Description- Commonly used to create an immediate, intense fire to destroy a target.
5.15.2 Effects- Designed to spread fire quickly over a targeted area in attempt to saturate other flammable materials.
5.15.3 Usage- Identification of delivery and purposes.
5.16 Postal explosive devices
5.16.1 Description- Commonly victim-operated anti-personnel weapons intended to kill for political, personal, or ideological purposes.
5.16.2 Usage- Postal devices used as decoys.
5.16.3 Effects- Due to the small explosive charge, most victims receive blast and shrapnel injuries to immediate areas.
5.17 Pipe bombs
5.17.1 Description- Pipe bombs are small anti-personnel or anti-materiel devices.
5.17.2 Usage- Pipe bombs are placed or thrown with intent to cause immediate damage.
5.17.3 Effects- The shattered pipe and end caps fragments can be projected considerable distances.
5.18 Roadside IEDs
5.18.1 Description- Improvised explosive device (IED) is normally employed by non-state combatants, terrorists, and insurgents.
5.18.2 Usage- Generally used by terrorist and insurgents to due economical manufacturing, accessibility and concealment.
5.19 Vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs)
5.19.1 Description- Often inflicts massive causalities and structural damage.
5.19.2 Use- VBIED are placed or driven as close to the general vicinity of the intended target.
5.19.3 Effects- VBEIDs inflict mass casualties and structural damage from blast overpressure, as secondary casualties result from structural damages.
5.20 Explosively formed projectiles (EFPs)
5.20.1 Description- Also known as ‘platter charges’ or ‘disk charges’, which employ conventional high explosive material on one side of a dense metal plate.
5.20.2 Use- EFPs are used against specified targets.
5.20.3 Effects- The penetrating impact and secondary fragmentation are primary effects.
5.21 Improved rockets and launchers
5.21.1 Description- Identification of improvised rockets and launchers.
5.21.2 Use- Designed to replicate their military counterparts for standoff attacks against aircrafts, vehicles, structures and people.
5.21.3 Effects- Similar to mortars and can be mitigated by ‘base-plate’ searches.
5.22 Improvised mortars
5.22.1 Description- Tube-based weapons designed to launch projectiles at structures, persons or vehicles in a standoff attack.
5.22.2 Use- These devices are designed as standoff weapons.
5.22.3 Effects- The explosive impact has the impact to inflict considerable damage.

6.1 APPENDIX 1: Acronyms
6.2 APPENDIX 2: Glossary of terms
6.3 APPENDIX 3: NATO color codes
6.4 APPENDIX 4: Explosives markings
6.4.1 Introduction- Identification of explosive markings on packaging, munition storage areas and vehicles.
6.4.2 Class- Identification of hazard classes.
6.4.3 Text- Identify explosive written communication.
6.4.4 Symbol- Identification of typical explosive symbols throughout the UN and NATO.
6.4.5 Background- Identification of backgrounds of explosive indicators.
6.4.6 Division- identification of explosive divisions.
6.4.7 Compatibility group- Storage notations for the nature of an explosive.
6.5 APPENDIX 5: Homeland response- the incident Command System
6.5.1 ICS structure- A flexible, modular structure for managing the response to any incident.
6.5.2 Management framework- A framework dividing activities along functional and spatial lines.
6.6 APPENDIX 6: Primary terrorist incident management
6.6.1 Sections- Identification of the four core management functions.
6.6.2 Command direction and control nodes- identification of various functions served by an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
6.6.3 Command structure evolution- Identify the three levels of response activities to incidents.