Ten years ago today Muslim Chechen separatists occupied School Number One (SNO) in the town of Beslan, North Ossetia which is an autonomous republic in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. On the first day of school, they took over 1,100 faculty, students and their parents hostage, demanding that the Russians leave Chechnya. After three days of negotiations, during which hostages and terrorists alike died, Russian paramilitary forces retook the school. Unfortunately, over 300 were killed during the operation. This was by no means a text book operation. The bad guys have studied it and learned from it. So should you.
Over the years, terrorists have have conducted this sort of operation more than once in various parts of the world. There is every reason to believe that they will do it again. ISIS is an increasing threat. Americans are gaining experience fighting for Islamo-fascist causes. At some point, many will attempt to reenter the US.
Citizens and Law Enforcement alike should be vigilant. For citizens, if a situation doesn’t look right, avoid it. For LE and first responders, it is imperative to practice and be prepared. It can be as simple as rock drills and command post exercises to work out command and control as well as communications issues is critical. Learn critical skills. Be prepared to transition from regular duties to dealing with single and multiple active shooters. Get the proper equipment and know how to use it. This includes medical equipment.
I recommend all read up on this operation and study both the actions of the terrorists as well as those of Government forces.
