terrorists have carried out attacks using trucks to plough into crowds in European countries, but it is not common in the United States. However, there have been lone wolf attacks in Europe involving trucks ramming into unsuspecting holiday crowds, leaving many dead and injured. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued guidelines to truck rental agencies to always be alert in order to prevent attacks of this nature because there are fears of increased threats.
The scenario of trucks ramming into civilians
The Los Angeles Times reported that TSA brought out a study report that deals with vehicle ramming attacks, It is a report that outlines details of incidents over the course of the last 3 years, with 17 incidents in total.
Truckers have been advised to report any suspicious activity they notice.
Is there a way to counter the threat?
One of the leaders of the Islamic State encouraged his followers to carry out truck-related attacks. To date, in recent history, there have been a plethora of such attacks taking place all across Europe, including attacks in Berlin, Germany, and Nice, France. The attack in Berlin was in a Christmas market, and in Nice, it was during festivities on Bastille Day. On both occasions, there were large crowds.
The type of vehicle used is usually a commercial truck which can be very heavy and is an effective tool in such assaults because it can penetrate security barriers with ease and carry out large-scale damage simultaneously, killing and injuring the innocent people in the immediate vicinity.
Terrorism is an evil of the 21st century and terrorists believe in destruction of human lives. Law enforcement agencies the world over are seized with the problem and are monitoring the situation on a continuous basis to safeguard the lives of people and protect assets.
With the recent terrorist attacks in Berlin and Nice, coupled with the escalating tension in the Korean Peninsula with regard to North Korea, and the ongoing conflict in Syria, this is a trying time across the globe for all.
