The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) citing LTTE as an example reminded that law-enforcement authorities of the increased use of female suicide bombers worldwide and warned that women terrorists might hide explosives in devices “that mimic the look of a pregnant woman”. 

“Female suicide bombers have used devices that make them appear pregnant to hide explosive devices,” the DHS threat assessment released on February 10 said. 

The report stated that terrorists are using female bombers more frequently, in part because these attacks generate “more widespread media exposure.” 

“Continued use of female suicide bombers- the most recent example being a 3 February 2008 attack at the main railway station in Colombo – indicates that terrorists judge this tactic as effective in thwarting security measures,” it adds. 

The report ticks off several recent attacks by women bombers in Iraq and Sri Lanka, and the recruitment of female suicide bombers In Chechnya, India, Pakistan, the Palestine territories and Turkey. 

DHS and the FBI assess that female suicide bombers may have an advantage over their male counterparts in accessing targets. The means to conduct a suicide attack vary widely, but a key element in maximizing the lethality of a suicide bombing is the bomber’s ability to get close to the target.      

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Last Updated Date: February 13, 2008 - 5.45 GMT