Security Threats Cancel Dakar Race

For the first time in 30 years, the Dakar race has been cancelled. You may not be familiar with Dakar, but what is important is that security could not be provided for the international motor race because of direct threats made by al Qaeda. The race runs from Portugal to Senegal.

The race has always been about innovation, determination and most of all, international goodwill. The race is a high-profile event in an overseas venue, second only to the World Cup. But the remote terrain that the race covers isn’t very secure.

Smaller cultural events have been canceled before because of the threat of terrorism, but it has not happened with such a major international event. Even at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, the games proceeded after a 34-hour pause. Eleven Israeli athletes and coaches were killed Palestinian gunmen.

The threat from al Qaeda is significant because it would be nearly impossible to secure the entire Dakar race course. When the thugs and bullies that are al Qaeda make a direct threat security officers don’t ask for details. They take the threat seriously.

According to an Associated Press story, Patrice Clerc, who heads the company that organizes the rally said, “It was enough for me to hear my government say ‘beware, the danger is at a maximum.’”

While security for an event like this is paramount, bowing to terror threats could encourage more violence. In this case, al Qaeda has scored a media victory, if nothing else. The jihadists are pleased with the closing of this race and view it as a victory.

The appeal of this race through the African deserts, scrubland and savannas is a weak point for security. It would be extremely difficult to protect competitors and race workers through these remote regions. Canceling the race was obviously the right thing to do for both safety and security reasons.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live From ISC West 2024: Post-Show Recap

    ISC West 2024 is complete. And from start to finish, the entire conference was a huge success with almost 30,000 people in attendance. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • ISC West 2024 is a Rousing Success

    The 2024 ISC West security tradeshow marked a pivotal moment in the industry, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to address evolving security challenges. Exhibitors left the event with a profound sense of satisfaction, as they witnessed a high level of engagement from attendees and forged valuable connections with potential clients and partners. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3