SHOEICIDE BOMBER Meaning and
Definition
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"Shoeicide bomber" is an unofficial and colloquial term that combines the words "shoe" and "suicide bomber." It refers to an individual who carries out acts of terrorism by concealing explosive devices within their shoes, intending to cause significant harm or destruction, often at the cost of their own life. This term originated following an attempted terrorist attack in December 2001 when Richard Reid, a British citizen, tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on board a flight.
This term highlights the specific method used by individuals attempting to carry out acts of terrorism involving footwear, typically aiming to create panic and inflict casualties within crowded public spaces or modes of transportation such as airports or airplanes. It emphasizes the deceptive nature of such bombers, as shoes are generally considered ordinary and harmless objects. The term may also allude to the self-sacrificial aspect of these attacks, as "shoeicide bombers" often intend to die during the execution of their plan, with the aim of maximizing casualties.
It is important to note that these acts of terrorism are universally condemned due to the significant loss of innocent lives and the widespread disruption caused by such incidents. The term "shoeicide bomber" is primarily used in media, discussions, or informal conversations to describe individuals who employ shoes as a means to conceal explosives and commit acts of terrorism.
