Ataturk Airport Attacked

Mersey_2

Breaking News on Sky - bombers have attacked Turkey's main airport in Istanbul and gunfire has also been heard.

pendragon_arther

It appears their security forces could do with some anti-terrorist training from our SS, SIS and SAS. There's a two-stage security check to enter the airport.

shaun_from_Africa

pendragon_arther wrote: »

It appears their security forces could do with some anti-terrorist training from our SS, SIS and SAS. There's a two-stage security check to enter the airport.

If the latest reports are to be believed, it probably wouldn't have made any difference if the security checkpoints were manned by the SAS.
This because the attacks appear to have taken place at the checkpoint and not after the terrorists had already passed through.

DigForVictory

They have a vehicle checkpoint which is equipped but the euphemism I've heard is "underutilised" ie never used. The security is at the entrances, and that makes pinch points & alas, a splendid target.

To be fair, *anyone* faced with a team of three vest wearers clutching machine guns would be at a disadvantage there, almost regardless of training. The authorities may well be more willing to take some advice on how to make it less hazardous for security staff & travellers.

I suspect the vehicle checkpoint will get dusted off & *used*.

Mersey_2

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

If the latest reports are to be believed, it probably wouldn't have made any difference if the security checkpoints were manned by the SAS.
This because the attacks appear to have taken place at the checkpoint and not after the terrorists had already passed through.

Apparently one started shooting then detonated himself, to allow the second terrorist to get in and run upstairs to the international level lounge.


One policeman was particularly brave (he tackled one to the ground - but then sensibly ran when he saw the vest).


I can understand why police only shoot in the legs - but I imagine in future any terrorists will be shot in the head.

phatbear

Mersey wrote: »

I can understand why police only shoot in the legs - but I imagine in future any terrorists will be shot in the head.

Regardless of movie marksmanship its pretty damn hard/impossible to shoot a moving target in the head, especially in a high pressure situation.

shaun_from_Africa

phatbear wrote: »

Regardless of movie marksmanship its pretty damn hard/impossible to shoot a moving target in the head, especially in a high pressure situation.

And if you shoot at a head and miss, the bullet is going to keep going for a long time until it eventually runs out of energy, or more likely, hits a solid object or another person.

In many cases, aiming at the lags would involve a downwards shot and if the police/army concerned are using hollowpoint bullets, these should flatten and not ricochet away into innocent people.