Google Earth’s New Use: Planning Insurgent Attacks

During raids on insurgents’ homes last week, troops discovered printouts from Google Earth which clearly show that terrorists have discovered a new use for it … planning attacks. As outlined in the Register:

According to a recent report in the Telegraph, "documents seized during raids on the homes of insurgents last week uncovered print-outs from photographs taken from Google". The images showed in detail "the buildings inside the bases and vulnerable areas such as tented accommodation, lavatory blocks, and where lightly armoured Land Rovers are parked".

An intelligence officer with the Royal Green Jackets battle group said: "This is evidence as far as we are concerned for planning terrorist attacks. Who would otherwise have Google Earth imagery of one of our bases?"

Because of this discover, Google removed current images of British military bases in Basra with pre-war pictures.

Despite what some think, insurgents aren't just walking around with AK-47s and nothing else. They are surprisingly technical. And this applies to insurgencies and terrorism around the world.