West Bank Bomb Attempts Highlight Need for Thermal Matrix Threat Detection Technology
In the latest incident of a suspected suicide bomb plot, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) captured a Palestinian with two explosive devices near a West Bank roadblock. The bombs were detonated at a controlled destination, and the terror suspect is being held for questioning.
That incident comes following a deadly suicide bombing in Syria that claimed at least nine lives in Damascus. An Islamic group identifying itself as “al-Nusra Front” claimed responsibility, saying its operative detonated his explosive in the midst of 150 Syrian security forces.
“We are fortunate the IDF was able to apprehend the suspected West Bank terrorist before tragedy could occur,” said Richard Salem, CEO of threat detection maker Thermal Matrix International. “But as we have seen in Syria, not all potential threats are being discovered in time.”
Thermal Matrix produces equipment designed to aid the detection of a suicide bomber at standoff distances, long before a terrorist can reach his intended target. The technology can detect plastic, liquid, powder and gel explosives, which may not be seen when hidden beneath clothing, nor detected by metal detectors at entry check points.
The company’s ACT Threat Detection System integrates with infrared sensors, expanding on their capabilities and providing security forces with an extra layer of detection long before a suspected terrorist can cause harm. ACT aids in concealed object threat detection through target identification, target tracking, and color analysis of potential PBIEDs (person-borne improvised explosive devices). The system also displays and controls the imagery of multiple sensors, adding the ability to record, review, and archive scenes at a safe distance. All of these features combine to improve the infrared sensor’s ability to provide advance threat detection.
The two most recent suicide bomb incidents are not isolated. In the West Bank alone, two Palestinians with four pipe bombs were arrested one week ago. Earlier in April another terrorist was detained, found to be in possession of a number of threat objects that included seven improvised explosive devices. Officials were quoted as saying they suspected the Palestinian planned to attack Israeli civilians or soldiers during Passover.
“The threat situations we have seen over the past couple days are exactly the types of situations our technology can help defuse,” Salem said. “We expect these attempts to continue until we can demonstrate to terrorists that we have advance warning technology capable of stopping them.”
The Thermal Matrix ACT Threat Detection System is portable, designed for quick set-up and deployment in remote locations, providing advance warning wherever it is needed, indoors and out. Although the system aids in detecting what is hidden beneath clothing, it is not an x-ray. That means there are no invasion of privacy concerns since the technology does not depict any anatomical features.