The 5th Dimension:

Underground

Threat in Global

Context

August 2014

2

The 5th Dimension:

Underground Threat in Global

Context

A lot of attention has been paid in the past weeks on Israel's struggle against the terror

tunnels employed by Hamas in Gaza. Nevertheless, Israel isn’t the only country in the

world whose security is threatened by the ancient warfare method.

Throughout the

continents, tunnels

undermine

governments and law

enforcement agencies.

Some are used for

smuggling of

contraband, for human

trafficking and illegal

immigration. Others

have more belligerent

purposes and may be used by terror organizations. Tunnels

may also vary in size and structure. Tunnels dug by Hamas

for example are often found 20 meters underground and

some are 2.4 km long. It is estimated that the terror organization invested millions in

structuring the tunnels, covering each with hundreds of tons of concrete and equipping

them with electricity and supplies.

The tunnels in Gaza, which are used for smuggling, have been also disturbing Israel's

neighbor Egypt, which applied creative techniques in order to destroy them throughout

Smuggling tunnel beneath

the Gaza-Egypt border,

2013 ,AFP Photo/Mahmud

Hams

3

the years. One way is a construction of an underground barrier along the border, the

other is filling the tunnels with toxic gas or water and even sewage. However, it seems

the issue is far from being resolved as the leadership continues its efforts to eliminate

the tunnels infiltrating their land.

U.S and Mexico are

also concerned about

tunnels on their border

which enable human

trafficking and

smuggling of drugs and

weapons, keeping busy

the Drug Enforcement

Administration, the

Immigration and

Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.

Around 170 tunnels have been discovered since 1990, varying

in size and complexity – from 148 to 800 meters. Some are

equipped with lighting and ventilation, and are held up by wood and concrete. U.S.

security forces are in search of efficient techniques for finding and destroying tunnels.

One such technique is using a wireless, camera equipped robot, remotely navigated by

a technician, which allows fast and safe examination of the tunnel. Some of the

methods also include setting off explosives inside holes dug near the tunnels causing

them to collapse in a controlled manner.

The old fashioned, simple warfare technique challenges modern technology //

Defense companies, security authorities and research centers continue to look

for solutions // Tunnel warfare is becoming a global concern

A tunnel discovered in

Nogales, Arizona in 2014,

Department of Homeland

Security

4

South Korea discovered

by 1990 four massive

tunnels built by North

Korea for a future attack.

The government believes

no more tunnels are left;

however, they remain on

guard by drilling near the

border and using sound-

detecting technologies.

Concerned civilians,

dubbed “Tunnel hunters”,

believe there are more

secret tunnels and engage in an independent quest for their

discovery. The North Korean tunnels are much larger and

massive than those seen in Gaza. For example, the “third tunnel

of aggression”, one of the four located by South Korea and which is opened for tourists,

is 2m in height and width and could easily allow transport of a whole division of soldiers.

Worldwide Concern

It seems tunnel warfare is becoming a global concern as it is also common in other

parts of the world such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, where rebels use them in

combating Assad’s military forces.

There are several existing technologies that can be applied for the detection and

destruction of tunnels. Most common and a relatively low-cost solution is a detection of

underground activity and noises caused by digging with the use of optical fibers.

Another mean of detecting gaps as much as 150 meters beneath the surface, relies on

Third Tunnel of

Aggression, Josh Berglund

5

measuring the gravitational force. An analysis of geo-seismic waves using microphones

is an additional means of discovering movement – either of the excavation or the people

inside the tunnel. Also, radars transmitting electro-magnetic waves can assist in

analyzing the structure of the land thus reveling gaps and anomalies. However, these

solutions aren’t always sufficient and very often law enforcement and national defense

forces must rely on intelligence or luck.

" The tunneling warfare threat is

evolving into a business opportunity, resembling the increasing interest in

screening technologies after 9/11 "

According to the market research company Meidata, It seems the old fashioned, simple

warfare technique challenges modern technology so defense companies, security

authorities and research centers continue to look for solutions. For example, U.S.

Department of Homeland Security is collaborating with Lockheed Martin in developing

systems for discovering tunneling activity. Raytheon is also working closely with the

American army and utilizes technological solutions along the Mexico border. It has

supported the Egyptian army as well and provided it with a radar for its battle against

Hamas smuggling tunnels. Research institutes in the fields of geo-physics and energy

are also putting forth efforts in this field.

In Israel, many are involved in developing a solution to suit IDF’s needs: Maf’at

(Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure),

Institute of Technology and defense companies such as Magna, and the industry giants

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Elbit Systems and Rafael. Participants of IDF’s “Talpiot” projects are also marking

progress in the development of tunnel detection system. In addition, hundreds of

applications for patent registration have been submitted to local offices over the past

weeks.

Meidata’s analysts say there is clearly a global need for a solution and the latest Gaza

events have just put it in the spotlight. The tunneling warfare threat is evolving into a

business opportunity, resembling the increasing interest in screening technologies after

9/11 events.

About Meidata

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sources, advanced processing tools and expertise in international markets to help

companies make correct business decisions.

The products of Meidata are characterized with a strong emphasis on data visualization,

and are based on advanced collection methodology integrated with cutting-edge

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