Use of GPS system to Trigger Explosives
USE OF GPS SYSTEM TO TRIGGER EXPLOSIVES
Details
Analysis carried out by Pak security agencies of the explosions in Lahore, Pakistan during March 2008, has indicated that the Global Positioning System (GPS) could have been used to trigger explosives planted in the vehicles. Under this new modus-operandi, terrorists’ plant a GPS equipped bomb in a parked vehicle. Then the GPS system is used to track the movement of the vehicle, basically acting as a tracking device by controlling the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) equipped device through the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network or the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM). The monitoring of the movement of the vehicle is done through Short Message Service (SMS) messages and the use of Google Earth or other digital maps. When the vehicle approaches a potential target, a specific SMS sent to the SIM can trigger the bomb.
2. The initiation of such technique by militants in Afghanistan could not be ruled out. Hence, the need for sensitizing all concerned about the latest technique particularly the personnel checking vehicles entering the premises of the Embassy/India House/Consulates.
(R. D. Mehta)
Brig
Military Attaché & Defence Advisor
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mea.gov.in