THE operation cycle of any terrorist plot is such that losses can only be avoided if it’s detected before execution. Once the bullets fly or the explosive device is detonated, there is little that law enforcement can do other than initiate action drills in an effort to reduce casualties. This means that attackers must be identified earlier in the process, well before they are in a position to strike.

Unless agencies have a source inside the group that is planning the attack or they intercept their communications, the only way to identify plotters is by keen observation. The resources with any intelligence agency in the world are never sufficient to fulfil the need. No agency can maintain surveillance in every street, village and town. These agencies therefore place considerable reliance on information shared by ordinary people.

All internal security agencies in the modern world interact and educate the public/community, businesses, media to create awareness. However, we have several intelligence agencies — mainly IB, ISI, MI, FIA, CIA, CID, SIU, SB — who have failed to involve the public in the prevention of terrorism. Our agencies are not making effective use of millions of eyes and ears that can help foil terrorism plots in the making.

Although hotlines have been established for the public to provide information to agencies, the following measures could further enhance the efforts:

The public can help foil terrorist plots in the making.

— Counterterrorism agencies can have websites to educate people on detecting terrorism, thereby making it easier for people to observe and report. Such websites can host forums where people can give information (pictures and evidence if possible) relating to terrorism. Even the well-equipped and well-funded FBI takes leads from the general public all over the world through its field offices or website. The organisation thus utilises its Community Outreach Program very successfully.

— Specially assigned officers can educate people regarding what to observe in communities, corporate, industries, businesses, mosques and educational institutions.

— Agencies can train provincial police departments in counterterrorism intelligence gathering as the latter have more links within local communities than any agency.

— Agencies can create a centralised database accessible at district level for speedy confirmation of suspicious persons/activities and to collate different strands of terrorist plots.

Usually terrorism directly targets ordinary people but we can deny victory to terrorists — who are enemies living amongst us as our neighbours, friends, colleagues, tenants, servants etc — simply by refusing to give them space. A terrorist plot can be detected at a nascent stage, especially when it is targeting high-profile sites or important places (such as government buildings, mosques, airports/bus/train stations, military facilities, educational institutions, public gatherings). If you observe suspicious activities/circumstances like the ones listed below (as per counterterrorism manuals), promptly report to a counterterrorism agency:

— Anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars etc near key facilities/events.

— Anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email etc, regarding a key facility or people who work there. Similarly, attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event.

— Attempts to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous che­mi­­cals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility/event or to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances that could be used in a terrorist attack.

— Anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighbourhood, business esta­blishment, or near a key facility/event. Even worse, armed and suspicious people near any important facility/gathering.

— Any behaviour that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios with other people, monitoring key facilities/events, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities.

— Abandoned vehicles or stockpiling of suspicious materials or persons being deployed near a key facility/event.

Remember that your tip might save the lives of innocent people, so don’t hesitate. Let the law enforcement react and confirm. If we start keeping an eye on our surroundings, we can deny survival space to terrorists. Many success stories of anti-terrorism around the world have been possible only because of community reporting.

Our intelligence agencies need to reach out and be accessible to the public. They must avoid taking punitive action against people who report wrongly but in good faith. People may send or feed wrong information in order to settle personal scores but that can be handled. There will be extra work and burden in sifting, analysing and confirming the veracity of these reports but the effort will pay off and we will be able to trace and track down terrorists hiding in our neighborhood.

The writer is a retired military officer who has dealt with physical security and intelligence gathering.

Published in Dawn February 11th , 2015

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