Rules of conduct when taken hostage by terrorists

August 5, 09:17

This material is also available in Ukrainian

Detention of a man who threatened to blow up a bank building in Kyiv (Photo: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)

Author: Alla Koshlyak, Valeria Shirokova

In the center of Kyiv on August 3, a man threatened to detonate a bomb in a Universal Bank branch in the Leonardo business center, and there was one hostage in the room with him. Hostage release expert Vadim Rakhlis, in an interview with Radio NV, explained how to behave in such emergency situations.

If a terrorist is opposite me, should I initiate a conversation or is it better to remain silent?

It's better to sit silently, but if he asks a question, it's better to answer. This is called the communication process. Because your silence to his question will anger and excite him. But it is possible to establish non-verbal contact. What does it mean? At one time, when Arab terrorists hijacked a plane, one man looked up at the terrorist with such a pitiful gaze that he was struck. This doesn't mean it will work every time, but non-verbal communication is very important. So that the terrorist understands that he is on top, that people are ready to listen to him, but they are not afraid of him.

If the terrorist likes the person's answer, he may also put him in charge of the group. Then communication will go through this person, he himself will calm the group so that terrorists do not interfere there. This is not betrayal, it means that the person took control of the group, he took responsibility for the lives of people.

Detection of a suspicious object that may be an explosive device Recently, there have been frequent cases of citizens discovering suspicious objects that may turn out to be explosive devices. Similar objects are found in transport, on staircases, near apartment doors, in institutions and public places. How to behave when they are discovered? What actions should I take? If the discovered item should not, in your opinion, be in this place, do not ignore this fact!!! If you find a forgotten or ownerless item on public transport, interview people nearby. Try to establish whose it is and who could have left it. If the owner has not been identified, immediately report the find to the driver (driver). If you find an unknown object in the entrance of your house, ask your neighbors to see if it belongs to them. If the owner has not been identified, immediately report the find to your police department. If you find an unknown item in an institution, immediately report your find to the administration or security. In all of the above cases:

do not touch, move, or open the discovered item;
record the time the object was discovered;
try to do everything possible to ensure that people move as far away from the find as possible;
be sure to wait for the arrival of the operational investigation team (remember that you are a very important eyewitness); Remember: the appearance of an item may hide its real purpose. The most common household items are used as camouflage for explosive devices: bags, packages, boxes, toys, etc.
Parents! You are responsible for the life and health of your children. Explain to children that any object found on the street or in a hallway can pose a danger. Do not take any action on your own with finds or suspicious objects that may turn out to be explosive devices - this can lead to their explosion, numerous casualties and destruction. Receiving information about evacuation An evacuation message can be received not only in the event of an explosive device being detected and the consequences of a terrorist act being eliminated, but also in the event of a fire, natural disaster, etc. When receiving a message from government or law enforcement officials about the start of an evacuation, remain calm and strictly follow their commands. If you are in an apartment, follow these steps:
Take personal documents, money, valuables;
Turn off electricity, water and gas;
Assist in the evacuation of elderly and seriously ill people;
Be sure to lock the front door - this will protect the apartment from possible entry by looters. Avoid panic, hysteria and haste. Leave the premises in an orderly manner. Return to the abandoned premises only after permission from the responsible persons. Remember that the life and health of many people will depend on the consistency and clarity of your actions. Behavior in a crowd
Avoid large crowds of people.
Don't join the crowd, no matter how much you want to watch the events taking place.
If you find yourself in a crowd, let it carry you, but try to get out of it.
Inhale deeply and spread your arms bent at the elbows slightly to the sides so that your chest is not compressed.
Try to be away from tall and large people, people with bulky objects and large bags.
Try to stay on your feet by any means necessary.
Don't keep your hands in your pockets.
When moving, raise your legs as high as possible, place your foot on your full foot, do not mince, do not rise on tiptoes.
If the crush has become threatening, immediately, without hesitation, free yourself from any burden, especially your shoulder bag and scarf.
If you drop something, never bend down to pick it up.
If you fall, try to get back to your feet as quickly as possible. At the same time, do not lean on your hands (they will be crushed or broken). Try to stand on your soles or toes for at least a moment. Having found support, “surface”, sharply pushing off the ground with your feet.
If you can’t get up, curl up in a ball, protect your head with your forearms, and cover the back of your head with your palms.
Once in a room crowded with people, determine in advance which places are the most dangerous in the event of an extreme situation (passages between sectors in a stadium, glass doors and partitions in concert halls, etc.), pay attention to emergency and emergency exits, mentally make the path to him.
It is easiest to hide from the crowd in the corners of the hall or near the walls, but it is more difficult to get from there to the exit.
If panic occurs, try to maintain calm and the ability to soberly assess the situation. Do not join the protesters “just for fun.” First, find out whether the rally is authorized and what the people speaking are campaigning for. Do not join unregistered organizations. Participation in events of such organizations may result in criminal penalties. During riots, try not to get into the crowd, both participants and spectators. You may fall under the action of special forces soldiers. Taking a hostage Any person, by coincidence of circumstances, can become a hostage to criminals. At the same time, criminals can achieve political goals, obtain ransom, etc. In all cases, your life becomes a bargaining chip for terrorists. Seizure can occur in transport, in an institution, on the street, in an apartment. If you find yourself hostage, we recommend that you adhere to the following rules of conduct:
unexpected movement or noise can lead to violent reprisal from terrorists. Do not allow actions that could provoke terrorists to use weapons and lead to casualties;
be prepared for terrorists to use blindfolds, gags, handcuffs or ropes
endure hardships, insults and humiliation, do not look criminals in the eyes (for a nervous person this is a signal for aggression), do not behave defiantly;
do not try to resist, do not show unnecessary heroism, trying to disarm the bandit or break through to the exit or window;
if you are forced to leave the premises, saying that you are being taken hostage, do not resist;
if there are children with you, find a safe place for them, try to protect them from random bullets, if possible, stay close to them;
if necessary, fulfill the demands of criminals, do not contradict them, do not risk the lives of others and your own, try to avoid hysteria and panic;
in the event that medical assistance is needed, speak calmly and briefly, without irritating the bandits, do not do anything until you receive permission. Remember, your goal is to stay alive. Be careful, try to remember the signs of the criminals, the distinctive features of their faces, clothes, names, nicknames, possible scars and tattoos, peculiarities of speech and behavior, topics of conversation, etc. Remember that upon receiving the message about your capture, the special services have already begun to act and will do everything necessary for your release.
lie face down on the floor, cover your head with your hands and do not move;
under no circumstances run towards or away from security officers, as they may mistake you for a criminal;
If possible, stay away from doorways and windows. If you are taken hostage, remember that your own behavior may affect how you are treated.
Maintain calm and composure. Determine What's Happening
The decision to resist or refuse must be balanced and consistent with the threat of superior terrorist forces.
Don't resist. This could lead to even greater cruelty.
Be on your guard. Focus your attention on sounds, movements, etc.
Engage in mental exercises.
Be prepared for “Spartan” living conditions: - inadequate food and living conditions; - inadequate toilet facilities.
If possible, be sure to practice good personal hygiene.
If you have health problems, make sure you take the necessary medications with you, inform the guards about your health problems, and, if necessary, ask for medical assistance or medications.
Be prepared to explain whether you have any documents, phone numbers, etc.
Don't let your consciousness weaken. Develop a program of possible exercises (both mental and physical). Constantly train your memory: remember historical dates, names of people you know, phone numbers, etc. Do physical exercises as far as your strength and space allow.
Ask the guards if you can read, write, use personal hygiene products, etc.
If you are given the opportunity to talk to your relatives on the phone, control yourself, don’t cry, don’t scream, keep it short and to the point. Try to establish contact with the guards. Explain to them that you are a person too. Show them photos of your family members. Don't try to deceive them.
If the guards do not make contact, talk as if to yourself, read poetry in a low voice or sing.
Be sure to keep track of time by marking the past days with matches, pebbles or lines on the wall.
If you find yourself locked in a room, try to attract someone's attention. To do this, break the window glass and call for help; if you have matches, light the paper and bring it closer to the fire sensor, etc.
Never lose hope for a successful outcome. Remember, the more time passes, the greater your chances of salvation. Using air transport
If possible, try to take window seats at the rear of the plane.
Reduce registration time to a minimum.
Place yourself closer to any cover or exit.
Study the neighboring passengers, pay attention to their behavior.
Discuss with family members what to do in a standard hijacking situation.
Try not to visit retail outlets and food outlets located outside the airport security zone.
Immediately report unclaimed baggage or suspicious activity to flight crew or security personnel. In the event of an attack on an airport:
Use any available cover.
Fall even into the mud, don't run.
Close your head and turn away from the side of the attack.
Do not assist security forces unless you are fully confident in the effectiveness of such actions. If a plane is hijacked by terrorists, imagine possible hijacking scenarios and your possible behavior in this case. Under no circumstances should you panic, do not jump up, remain seated in your chair. Do not argue with terrorists, do not provoke them to use weapons, in the absence of special training, do not try to neutralize terrorists yourself, keep your neighbors from doing this.
Accept the humiliation and insults that terrorists may subject you to.
Do not discuss terrorist affiliation with passengers.
Avoid anything that might draw attention to you.
If there are crying children or sick moaning people among the passengers, do not express your dissatisfaction, control yourself. Any outbreak of negative emotions can explode an already tense situation.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Whatever happens, do not try to intercede for the crew members. Your intervention can only complicate the situation.
Never be outraged by the actions of pilots. The crew is always right. The flight attendant's order is law for the passenger.
Don't trust terrorists. They can say whatever they want, but they only pursue their own interests.
Behave with dignity. Think not only about yourself, but also about other passengers.
If you see that one of the crew members has left the plane, under no circumstances draw the attention of other passengers to this fact. The crew's actions may be noticed by terrorists.
If possible, be prepared for the moment the special operation to free the plane begins if, based on indirect signs, you feel that negotiations with them have not yielded results.
If a rescue operation is undertaken, try to take a position so that terrorists cannot grab you and use you as a human shield: fall down, or hide behind the back of a chair, clasping your head in your hands and remain there until you are allowed to rise. Note: Security forces may mistake anyone who moves for a terrorist.
Leave the plane as quickly as possible. Don't stop to look for personal items.
Be prepared for the fact that you will have to answer questions from investigators, and remember the details of what happened in advance. This will help the investigation and save your own time. Actions in the event of a threat of a terrorist act
Always control the situation around you, especially when you are at transport facilities, cultural, entertainment, sports and shopping centers.
If you find forgotten items, without touching them, inform the driver, facility staff, security service, and police. Do not try to look inside a suspicious package, box, or other item.
Don’t pick up ownerless items, no matter how attractive they look. They may contain camouflaged explosive devices (in beer cans, cell phones, etc.). Do not kick objects lying on the ground in the street.
If the security forces and law enforcement agencies suddenly become more active, do not show curiosity, walk in the other direction, but do not run, so as not to be mistaken for the enemy.
If there is an explosion or shooting starts, immediately fall to the ground, preferably under cover (a curb, a sales tent, a car, etc.). For greater safety, cover your head with your hands.
If you accidentally learn about an impending terrorist attack, immediately report it to law enforcement agencies. If you become aware of a crime being prepared or committed, immediately report it to the FSB or the Ministry of Internal Affairs .

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https://kombat.com.ua

What is the most common interaction between a terrorist and hostages?

It happens that hostages, 10-20 people, sit in one room under the protection of one or two terrorists, while others negotiate with negotiators from the security forces. Those people who are sitting in a heap should under no circumstances scream, cry, or express their indignation. You cannot speak loudly, because very often terrorists are under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. They are very excited, so they can harm the health or life of the hostages.

Ukrainian special forces security forces near the building where a man threatens to detonate a bomb in a bank branch in Kyiv / Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

How not to lose self-control?

Most likely, the hostages will be prohibited from moving around the building, and they will need to do some exercises so as not to irritate the terrorists: strain and relax the muscles of the arms, legs and back.

The most important thing is that you need to force your brain to work so as not to lose psychological control over yourself, that is, self-control. You need to retell books or poems you have read to yourself, solve complex mathematical problems, or repeat a prayer to yourself. And think less about what is happening.

What to do if a terrorist captures one of your loved ones or a person from a group?

In each case you need to react differently. However, we take the case when people have no professional training - neither the one who was captured, nor the one who wants to intercede. This means that we conclude that if he tries to intercede, both one and the other will be killed, or they will be harmed.

Therefore, at a minimum, there is no need to make sudden movements, but try not to verbally, and then, perhaps, to make contact verbally. Or not make contact, depending on how the terrorist behaves.

If he is not under alcohol or drugs, you can ask a question that does not apply to this case. For example: “What is your favorite team?” Or something else. To do this, you need to understand, listen to conversations, what this terrorist is interested in. They will still talk to each other about something. Of course, this is not necessarily football. The question should be aimed specifically at his interest, and the question should be open. A person who hears such a question will not expect it. This is called a “throw-in” in our negotiation slang.

Get ready to fight

This is advice for extreme situations - when the offender is aggressive, insane and poses a great risk to both you and the people around you. The governments of almost all countries in the world advise the same thing if you find yourself a hostage: try to run away or hide. If this does not work, be prepared to physically confront the criminals.

If escape is impossible, the best thing to do is to unite with other hostages in one group and try to defeat the attackers. It is important to do this quickly and unexpectedly, to use what is at hand in the form of weapons - sharp pens, hot drinks, heavy chairs.

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What should I do if I or other hostages develop sympathy for terrorists?

In the event of hostage taking, the well-known Stockholm syndrome occurs. Hostages begin to feel positive feelings, emotions towards criminals, terrorists and negative ones towards the authorities. For example, terrorists want to free someone, and suddenly the hostages realize that these someone is not criminals, but heroes. And the hostages move on to the symbolic world of terrorists. What is the symbolic world? Their values. Therefore, you cannot always trust information coming from hostages. And with Stockholm syndrome, hostages can interfere with the operation to free them and disobey commands from special forces. Therefore, the problem of correct communication - establishing emotional contact with terrorists - requires complex and sometimes lengthy work by negotiators.

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Keep calm!

Very simple advice, which is very difficult to follow in an extreme situation. But it was precisely calmness and equanimity that helped many victims stay alive. Or even calm the invader himself and call him to reasonable actions.

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Thus, Mary Linda Moss, who was a hostage in the Trader Joe's store (Los Angeles, USA, incident in August 2020), was able to calm the criminal, Gene Atkins. The woman told him, “There is always hope. I know that you have a good heart and that you don’t want to hurt anyone.” And these simple words worked.

Mary Linda Moss believes that many are influenced by the call to humanity. Some hostages were able to pull themselves together and persuade the criminals to take certain actions through psychological manipulation.