Building owner? Time to show careful forethought

The terror attack on Mumbai has not only shocked the whole of India but also the international community at the same time. The terror has not only led to the rise of grief and outrage among the civilian population of India but also have brought before lots of questions. A highly significant question of these is regarding the safety of the buildings. Once upon a time the terrorists used to strike at the religious or governmental institutions in India. But those days have gone. The terrorists have changed their plans drastically and are targetting the civilian population more often to create mayhem. The assault on the building of the prestigious Taj Hotel in Mumbai is the latest example.

Well, this view has also been shared by both Department of Homeland Security and the FBI of the US. Their seriousness can be witnessed from the fact that they have already provided essential information to the building owners in the United States “regarding the tactics terrorists used in the attacks last week in Mumbai, India.” It has also come to the knowledge that a five-page “Intelligence and Analysis Note” has been prepared. In the note it is very clearly mentioned that the DHS and FBI “have no credible or specific information that terrorists are planning operations against public buildings in the United States.” But it is always necessary for the building owners and operators “to be aware of potential attack tactics” and conscious of the preventive measures. It should be remembered that the attack on buildings in Mumbai along with the following combats represent innovative strategies of urban warfare.

The DHS and FBI have already gathered details of the onslaught along with the plannings of the dreadful outfit. On the other hand the interrogations of the arrested terrorist have made them knowledgable of many secret aspects.

They have realised that this form of attack, where the assailants remain dressed in Western street clothing and keep low profile, can happen at any time and in any part of the world. If anyone goes through the details of the attack and the planning (as published in the media), he will conslude that this planning took months to complete and was made under the auspieces of an army officer.

Try to be cautious therefore and move on in accordance with the advices of the city police.