8 Killed in Mexico Near Tourist Hotspot

Eight people died early Tuesday after attackers hurled several Molotov cocktails into a Cancun, Mexico, bar.

Six women and two men, all Mexican nationals and employees of the tavern, were killed.  The matter is  now under investigation by judicial police.

Eight men hurled the explosives at the bar and fled in vehicles, the release said. No shots were fired.  The tavern is just 5 kilometers from the city’s tourist stretch.

Think I need to repeat the last part:   The tavern is just 5 kilometers from the city’s tourist stretch.

The violence in Mexico is getting worse.  Travelers thinking that sticking to the tourist areas will keep them safe, may want to strongly consider additional precautions. 

For the story, click HERE.

Travel Risk in War Zones

USA Today does a good piece on corporate employees working in war zones around the world.

“The nature of the job takes Nelson to unsafe parts of the world.  A legion of globe-trotting Americans face a similar situation, as a global economy has thrown them into the most remote regions of the world, where they’re exposed to war, natural calamity and a risk of terrorism and kidnapping — not to mention disease and petty crime.

In pursuit of new clients and suppliers, U.S. companies of all sizes and interests — ranging from Halliburton to Marriott and Starbucks— are sending more employees on hardship assignments and taking new, aggressive steps to protect them from an ever-changing range of threats. Several recent events — the murders of Western aid workers in Afghanistan, the three American hikers imprisoned in Iran, the massive flooding in Pakistan and the killing of tourists on a bus in Manila on Monday — continue to serve as stark reminders of the perils travelers face overseas.

“Most multinationals and even medium to small companies have to push into emerging markets,” says Bruce McIndoe, president of iJet, which provides global security services and intelligence reports for corporate clients.

About 10% of employees who are transferred from the U.S. are assigned to countries that are considered “dangerous or have harsh conditions of living,”

For the full story, click HERE.

Bulletproof T-Shirts?

First we reported Bulletproof Polo’s, and now an a Fruit of the Loom that can stop a bullet?   The University of Carolina has reportedly created a breakthrough that would allow an ordinary T-Shirt to become “wearable armor” by splicing the carbon in the cotton with boron, the third hardest material on the planet.

Me personally?

I think I’m going to wait until all the beta testing is done.

For the full story on Bulletproof T-Shirts, click HERE.

See related:  Bulletproof Polo’s

American Tourist Shot During World Cup

An American man was robbed and shot while in Johannesburg South Africa for the World Cup.  The 35 year old LA resident was on his way to his hotel in the affluent Sandton area when he was assaulted by four men.  He is currently hospitalized in stable condition.

For the full Associated Press story, click HERE.

During my time there on assignment, I found South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular to be a mass of contradictions.  Modern yet historical.  Friendly citizens with national pride, yet this undertone of fear that was apparent almost everywhere.

*In the article, they quote a police spokesperson as saying that the mans life was not in danger.  (Quick note:  Any time your shot and robbed, your life is in danger.)

See related:  World Cup Security Breakdowns

Security & Safety at the World Cup

Surveillance Detection Training Course

ICON & MULTI TIER SOLUTIONS

Surveillance Detection Course

July 28th – August 1st, 2010 (Minneapolis, MN)

Proactive Surveillance Detection for Executive Protection, Security Managers & Counter-Terror Professionals

Icon Services Corporation together with Multi Tier Solutions Ltd. are proud to present a unique 5-day course focusing on detecting stalkers, potential kidnappers and  pre-attack surveillance, thus stopping a hostile act in the planning stages.  This course greatly benefits those in the corporate and law enforcement sectors with special emphasis placed on detecting terrorist activities and crime across all environments.

As global pioneers in the field of defending against terror, Israel based Multi Tier Solutions, CEO Ivor Terret has teamed with security expert Elijah Shaw and Icon Services Corporation to deliver a realistic course tailored to counter threats faced by security and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

This is an advanced course for protection managers, security consultants and field personnel.

For more information or to attend click:  SURVEILLANCE DETECTION COURSE

Security and Safety at The World Cup

South Africa Times Reports:  South African intelligence services have been accused of being slow to react to warnings of terror threats to the 2010 World Cup

The US Congress counter-terror caucus was briefed on threats to the tournament.  Ronald Sandee, director of the NEFA Foundation, warned the US Congress that:

• Pakistani and Somali militants are running terror training camps in northern Mozambique;
• Trainees from these camps may have crossed into South Africa to join or form cells planning World Cup attacks;
• Surveillance and strike teams planning attacks are well established in South Africa. Terror groups involved include al-Qaeda and their Somalian allies, al-Shahaab
• Simultaneous and random attacks are being planned during the World Cup

On Wednesday, the National Joint Operational Centre was activated at an undisclosed military base in Pretoria. It is co-coordinating the deployment of all South African security and intelligence structures to ensure a safe World Cup, including 24-hour protection of teams and officials.

According to two insiders, a watch-list of 40 terror suspects has been drawn up.  Police have neither confirmed nor denied the arrest or watch-list.

For the full story:  Click HERE.

It’s tough finding the balance between safety & security along with access & convenience at a world sporting event such as the World Cup.  Lot’s of moving parts, lots of players.   ~ES

Homegrown Terror The Newest Worry

The Whitehouse has stated that home-ground terror has entered a new phase as radicals are increasingly plotting attacks inside the U.S.   the “new phase” in which al Qaeda is “increasingly relying on recruits with little training is on the rise. 

For the full story, click HERE.

Safehouses and Panic Rooms for Executives

Securityinfowatch just wrote a great article on the value of safe houses for corporations and executives.  Long thought of (if thought of at all) only for the uber-rich, the safe house is a valuable security precaution for protecting a very precious commodity for a businesses–its senior leadership.

“Corporate safe rooms — fortified environments that act as a protective refuge in the event of a home invasion or other threat — are an increasing necessity for people and organizations of all interests. And, while films and television programs continue to mythologize safe rooms as an indulgence for the super rich or eccentric, actual events tell a different story: safe rooms are and have been an integral part of corporate structures and residences worldwide, an otherwise well-kept secret that immediately captures the public’s imagination.

Daily new headlines confirm these threats, and rare but brutal attacks against executives underscore the harsh reality of life in a dangerous world. Far from being a luxury, safe rooms are often seen as essential for businesses across the economic spectrum”.

To read the full article, click HERE.

Actor Kal Penn robbed at Gunpont

Another celebrity is a victim of a crime. This time in the nation’s capitol.

The “White Castle” actor, who recently stepped down from a position at the White House, was robbed at gunpoint early this morning while walking in Washington, D.C., reports TMZ.

Penn told police a man carrying a gun approached him around 1:20 a.m. and took his wallet, along with other personal property, a source told the entertainment website.

Police are investigating the incident.

Earlier this month, Penn ditched his role with the Obama administration — where he served as an associate director the Office of Public Engagement for nine months — for Hollywood so he could resume his acting career.

~Unfortunately in this economic climate anyone can become a victim, however there are certain steps that everyone can take to ensure their personal safety, particularly celebrities.

Pope Attack Raises Security Concerns

The Vatican will review security procedures after a woman jumped a barrier and rushed at Pope Benedict XVI for the second time in two years, this time managing to knock him down before being pulled away by guards, the Vatican spokesman said Friday.

Benedict, 82, wasn’t hurt and delivered his traditional Christmas Daygreetings in 65 languages from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square. While a bit unsteady at first, he also delivered a short speech about the world’s trouble spots without problem.

The incident in St. Peter’s Basilica raised fresh questions about security for the pontiff, however, after officials said the woman involved had jumped the barrier at the 2008 Midnight Mass in a failed bid to get to the pope. She even wore the same red-hooded sweat shirt.

For the full story, click HERE.

Much like when the United States Secret Services has a breach you can believe there will be some finger pointing and people held accountable.  In the end, I think this incident will result in some altered security changes for the Popes movements among crowds, much like the introduction of the Popemobile after 1981.

Footage of the attack and security response.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpDffQJjm9c[/youtube]