DHS Information Bulletin
Potential Terrorist Use of Pressure Cookers
Date: February 4, 2004

ATTENTION:
Federal Departments and Agencies, Homeland Security Advisors, State
Emergency Managers, First Responders and Security Managers

DHS intends to update this information bulletin should it receive additional
relevant information, including information provided to it by the user
community. Based on this notification, no change to the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS) level is anticipated; the current HSAS level is
YELLOW.

OVERVIEW
The Department of Homeland Security is issuing this information bulletin to
alert frontline border inspectors and agents, state and local officers, and
other first responders that there is continued interest by terrorist
organizations to use innocuous items to package improvised explosive devices
(IEDs.) A technique commonly taught in Afghan terrorist training camps is
the use/conversion of pressure cookers into IEDs.

DETAILS
In September 2003, India 's security forces in Jammu foiled a major
terrorist attack during the Navratra celebrations by seizing 40 kg of an
explosive, RDX, which was put in two large pressure cookers.

In March 2003, four Algerians, three of whom admitted training in Afghan
terror camps, were convicted of plotting to bomb a French Christmas market
using pressure cookers packed with explosives.

In February 2002, two pressure cooker bombs were used in an attack on the
old tower of Lukla Airport , shattering windows and blowing off the tin
roof. Lukla Airport is located in the gateway to Solokhumbu at the foot of
Mount Everest 

February 2001, Maoist Rebels used two pressure cooker bombs in an attack on 
a convoy containing judicial officials. Four policemen on the escort team
died instantly.

Typically, these bombs are made by placing TNT or other explosives in a
pressure cooker and attaching a blasting cap at the top of the pressure
cooker. The size of the blast depends on the size of the pressure cooker and
the amount of explosive placed inside. Pressure cooker bombs are made with
readily available materials and can be as simple or as complex as the
builder decides. These types of devices can be initiated using simple
electronic components including, but not limited to, digital watches, garage
door openers, cell phones or pagers. As a common cooking utensil, the
pressure cooker is often overlooked when searching vehicles, residences or
merchandise crossing the U.S. Borders.

A pressure cooker is an airtight utensil for quick cooking or preserving
of foods by means of high-temperature steam under pressure. 1 There are few
fundamental differences among pressure cookers as they all work on the same
basic principle. Most pressure cookers bear the following components at a
minimum:
a. "Pressure Regulator: Controls and maintains pressure inside the
cooker.
b. "Vent Pipe: The pressure regulator fits on the vent pipe and allows
excess pressure to be released.
c. "Sealing Ring: Forms a pressure-tight seal between the cover and the
pressure cooker body." 2

SUGGESTED PROTECTIVE MEASURES
a. Don't move the suspect item. Note: Any pressure cooker 
weighing more than expected may be suspect.
b. Don't transmit radio signals within 50 feet of item.
c. Persons within 50 feet must turn off cell phones and pagers.
d. Evacuate personnel from the immediate area. Minimum evacuation
distances, based on the TSWG Bomb Threat Stand-Off Card 11-99, are noted:
Suspect item inside building: evacuation distance--150 feet; 
Suspect item outside of building: evacuation distance--1,850 feet

Safety Note:
Safe distance should be measured from the building and away from windows to
avoid being hit with debris, metal fragments, and glass particles produced
should the device explode.

Safety Note:
Personnel must remain out of direct line of sight or behind adequate cover
after evacuating to the minimum distance to avoid fragments from the
improvised explosive device.

Immediately call the Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD)/Bomb Squad and give 
a detailed description of suspect item, such as size, construction and
location. At that point EOD/Bomb Squad might adjust minimum evacuation
distance.

DHS encourages recipients of this Information Bulletin to report information
concerning suspicious or criminal activity to local law enforcement, local
FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force or the Homeland Security Operations Center
(HSOC). The HSOC may be contacted at: Phone: (202) 282-8101.

Footnotes
1 Merriam-Webster OnLine, ( http://www.m-w.com/ ), on Feb 4, 2004 .
2 http://virat.8m.com/howtouse.html, on Feb 4, 2004 

***********************************************************
SA Gary Harter, Email:  gharter@leo.gov
FBI Washington Field Office/NVRA ANSIR Coordinator
7799 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Va. 22043
Phone:  703) 762-3024; Fax:  703) 762-3475
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