Geopolitics Magazine January - February 2015 ( 7th Edition ) | Page 67

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In that sense, forces need to make sure that terrorist is not able to move from the point where he is
at. Going mobile increases difficulty of operation.
Control: This is where all people in area are to be identified and verify that inside the contained area
there is absolutely no one without proper authorization. Usually this is the point where intelligence
starts to be collected. For example, how many hostages, what the attacker has a weapon on them,
how many attackers, in which state of health situation are the hostages and the attackers, etc. Keep in
mind that if one person got shot (hostage or attacker) might give an advantage or disadvantage to
police forces depending on how things will evolve.
Communicate: This is where it gets tricky. Hostage negotiators attempt to contact the attacker(s)
and learn their demands. Main rule here for all situations, no promises, no irritating and erratic
behavior which might lead attackers hand to the trigger. Most of the times strategy is to buy time.
What is also very important here is to make sure to cut off all other communication means to the
attackers and do not let any uncontrolled info to reach him/them. Media are also an asset when
information have a controlled flow to them. It is possible that attackers might monitor media and wait
for something to see or listen in order to start their actions. Recent example was the one of Paris when
there was a coordination between the attackers in two different places over media and GSM phones.
Coordinate: This is something that takes place in the same with communication attempts. There is a
need to make sure the assets that an operation might need in terms to be as sure as possible that
there will be no flaw occurring during negotiations. This means maybe police forces, but also
ambulances, hospitals in high alert, fire fighters or even special bomb squad. Also there might be a
need to have a judge in standing by in order to get an immediate order to execute. This is where all
Intel are examined and evaluated in order to proceed.
Phase 2.
Selection/Positions: This is where forces are chosen to gear
up and take positions close to the action field. This is very
important as a simple mistake here might lead to a total failure.
For example if a building has windows where the hostages are
and leading officer at scene does not use a sniper to monitor
over a place where he is not visible to attackers, could lead to
hostages execution.

NYPD's A-Team executing warrant arrest

Most of Special Forces use sign language when they are closing
down on scene and follow previous briefing at Intel phase. They
are not to communicate with radios unless it is necessary since
their voice could betray them to the attackers.

At this phase, authorities have already drawn back personnel and made sure that media are not in any
way showing the scene and actions taking place. Reason for that as mentioned is that
terrorists/attackers might get informed about this and prepare themselves. This is an error that did
happen in Paris but thankfully enough they did not have information on this.
Phase 3.
Execution. This is something that starts without hesitation and holding backs. By the time of forces
entrance all must be ready. The sign “ Go… Go.. Go” (always 3 times so there is no
misunderstanding) is where action takes place and all others wait for the result.
What is very important here to understand is that while action is happening, no one is able to judge
who is innocent, who is a threat or how to behave in a “friendly human rights way” on the field. All
hostages are to stay down and do not try to run or attempt to move because they might get in the line
of police and attackers fire exchange. This is something that most people do not know and where they
usually get injured at.
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