Safe Harbor Publishing Travel Newsline

The following is an excerpt from Department of Defense Instruction 1300.21, ?Code of Conduct Training and Education? and is provided as a reference for the Safe Passage Newsline.

Capture by terrorists is generally the least predictable and structured form of captivity during operations other than war. The captor may qualify as an international criminal. The possible forms of captivity vary from spontaneous, "target of opportunity" kidnapping to a carefully planned and well-orchestrated hijacking. In such captivities, hostages play a greater role in determining their own fate since the terrorists in many instances expect or receive no rewards for providing good treatment or releasing victims unharmed. If U.S. military personnel are uncertain whether captors are genuine terrorists or surrogates of another government, they should assume that they are terrorists. Tension levels will be extremely high. The terrorists feel vulnerable at this point. Hostages should reduce this tension level by controlling their emotions, following instructions as far as practicable, and avoiding physical resistance. Sudden movement or action could precipitate a deadly response.

One recommendation is for military personnel to obtain a U.S. tourist passport to assist in blending in with other travelers and to delay the initial identification process in a hostage situation. Surrender the tourist passport if the terrorists demand identification during the initial stage, or delay identification as a U.S. military or official traveler by claiming inability to locate documents. If directly confronted about the DoD status, lying is not recommended. The initial delay serves only to maximize survival during the initial stage.

Surviving in some terrorist situations may depend on a hostage's ability to portray himself or herself as a person rather than an object and by conveying personal dignity and apparent sincerity. Hostages may discuss nonsubstantive topics to convey their human qualities and build rapport by:

Introducing commonalities such as family, clothes, sports, hygiene, food, etc.
Active listening. Allowing captors to discuss their cause or boast, but not to praise, pander, participate or debate with them.
Using their own names.
Being careful about whining or begging as it may increase abuse.
Introducing benign topics at critical times (impasses, demands) to reduce tensions.
Avoiding emotionally charged topics of religion, economics, and politics.
Avoiding being singled out by being argumentative or combative.
Avoiding escalating tensions with language such as "gun, kill, punish," etc.

Carjacking Avoidance

19 Sep 2006

The Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Nairobi noted the following in an RSO Security Notice dated September 19:

In view of the recent carjacking and shooting of an Embassy employee, RSO reminds all mission employees of the continuing danger of carjacking throughout Kenya, particularly in Nairobi. This recent incident underscores the need for all personnel to maintain a high level of security awareness and constant vigilance to protect you and your family. Incidents such as this appear to be on the increase and we are all susceptible to falling victim to this type of assault. More?

yemek tarifleri