KARACHI, July 20: The phenomenon of suicide bombings, once limited to sectarian targets, has now spread to attacks against government interests, especially after the Lal Masjid operation in Islamabad.
“Almost all of these people involved have some type of training from Afghanistan in bomb-making techniques.
They have now found a new enemy in the rank and file of the armed forces, paramilitaries and the police force,” observed a security official.
“These extremist tendencies are now not limited to a particular group, but have transformed into an ideology in a certain demographic group of the country,” the official added.
“During interrogation we often start by asking the reason for their involvement. They simply answer that they are working for the cause of Islam and targeting those who are damaging the religion,” the officer quoted one of the suspects as saying.
“We have caught suspects who were brainwashed to such an extent that during their arrest and detention period their resolve did not weaken,” the official remarked.
So far only two cases — that of Allama Hasan Turabi and the attempt on the life of Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao in Charssada — have emerged where the suicide bombers’ targets were individuals. Otherwise suicide attacks are meant to cause greater damage.
The average age of a suicide bomber — out of the ones who have so far blown themselves up — ranges from 18 to 24 years.
None of them undergo thorough religious studies, but in fact get very basic and incomplete religious education. Such madressah students generally come from extremely poor backgrounds. Often they harbour inferiority complexes and are not able to witness any charm in life.
They are motivated by a trainer, who is often a senior cleric of mature age, who presents himself as a role model and ideal for the students.
So far most of the suicide bombers have been unmarried. Those who were married divorced their wives, advised them to remarry and gave necessary instructions as to how to bring up the children.
“During the course of our investigations on dozens of such cases, we have not come across a case where financial incentive was involved or the suicide bomber was promised financial benefits for his family,” observed Raja Umar Khattab, the CID’s SP Operations.
The potential bombers are pitched the idea that since they cannot enjoy the charms of life in this world, a better world — coupled with deliverance — awaits on the other side, said Raja Umar Khattab.
After the bomber is convinced and ready to blow himself up, he is not allowed to have any social interaction and it is ensured that there are no delays in the assignment; it is important that the assignment is carried out as early as possible.
Otherwise there are chances that he might change his mind. To ensure that the suicide bomber completes his mission, one or two persons accompany him to the place of the target.
They pat him on the back, strengthening his resolve a little before he goes for detonation. Till the time of detonation his accomplices keep a watch on the bomber from a safe distance.
Such instances have been documented from the Hyderi Mosque and Nishtar Park blasts, said an investigator.
Even if such suicide bombers are arrested or caught alive from the scene of the crime, they don’t feel repentant over their actions.
The night before the bombing the bomber spends the entire night in worship, reciting the Holy Quran.
They perform ablution, remove all unwanted hair from the body, observe fast and offer Nawafil before carrying out their assignment.
“They also write down or record their last will before strapping on an explosive belt or jacket around their body,” Raja Umar said.
Nowadays explosives are being connected by triggering devices such as electric switches, mercury and hand-grenade clutches.
Plastic explosives and C4 are being used in most of the suicide bombings, another official of a security agency said.
Mercury was employed in the attack on the prime minister in Attock when the bomber raised his hand to detonate the explosive.
Explaining how it worked, the official said that a pen or tube-like device was strapped to the forearm of the suicide bomber. When he raised his hand above the shoulder the mercury shifted to the other end completing the circuit, thus detonating the explosive.
