Recent Increase in Terrorist Assaults
Recent years have seen an increase in terrorist assaults. As a result, security forces in many nations have been vigilant and have not allowed the selling of materials used in domestic bomb production or the production of other explosives. These things are known as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the security context. (Goodrich & Edwards, 2014). Such possession is prohibited by law in order to prevent the spread of terrorists in nations with strict gun control laws. Obtaining authorization to purchase materials for building bombs is becoming increasingly difficult in the US and the UK. This article looks at whether tracking or keeping an eye on explosive sales is necessary. More importantly, the study will also delve into analyzing whether the practice is tracked and if so, to what extent is it done.
Importance of tracking explosive sales
Considering the potential threat of terror groups across the globe and more so to countries where they cannot easily access guns, it's imperative that the sales be tracked and monitored (Goodrich & Edwards, 2014). In doing this, security threats that are posed by individuals who leave no chance of executing terror attacks will be also monitored and brought to a halt. Products such as rust remover and drain cleaner, model engine fuel, and pool sanitizer among other common products have to be monitored and tracked when people come to purchase. Such people have to be interrogated on why they need to buy and for what purpose. Additionally, strict laws should be put in place and heavy punishment attached to those who will be caught (Wright & Singer, 2014).
The Need for Stringent Measures
Bolz Jr, Dudonis, & Schulz (2016) suggests that most countries have put measures on the selling of common products used to make explosives. For instance, over the recent years 28 EU countries have prohibited members of the public from buying such bomb-making items without a license. The sales are already tracked by the security agencies of the US and UK; however, the extent to which it is done is still wanting. Therefore, we have people who still sell without licenses or purchase without being tracked. The laxity in implementing the sale of these explosive-making products is deepening despite efforts being put by most governments (Goodrich & Edwards, 2014).
References
Bolz Jr, F., Dudonis, K. J., & Schulz, D. P. (2016). The counterterrorism handbook: Tactics, procedures, and techniques. CRC Press.
Goodrich, D. C., & Edwards, F. L. (2014). Improvised Explosive Devices. Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Practice, 178-189.
Wright, J. D., & Singer, J. (2014). Fire and Explosives. Routledge.
