Suicide Bombs

A suicide bomber brings a singularly difficult threat for soldiers. The aim of the terrorist is not to commit suicide, but to kill or injure as many other soldiers and civilians as possible.

A "person-borne" suicide bomb usually employs a high-explosive/fragmentary effect and uses a command detonation firing system, some sort of switch or button the person activates by hand.

Explosives with fragmentation can be contained in a vest, belt, or clothing that is specifically modified to carry this material concealed. Vehicle-borne suicide bombs employ the same methods and characteristics of other package or vehicle bombs using a command detonation firing system.

In instances where the suspect is determined to be a suicide bomber, deadly force is normally the only response option. In such cases, forces should be prepared for and expect a detonation. Soldiers responding to such events should shoot from a protected position at as great a distance as possible.