Suicide Bombing Kills More than 90 in Yemen, Thermal Matrix Technology Ready to Prevent Future Attacks

Washington, DC, May 23, 2012 --(PR.com)-- In yet another suicide bomb attack, at least 96 soldiers have been killed and more than two hundred others injured in an attack in Yemen’s capital city of Sana'a. Officials say a bomber disguised in a military uniform set off his explosive during a parade rehearsal, ahead of Yemen’s unification holiday.

“This year we have not only seen person-borne suicide attacks continue, but also escalate. It is now more critical than ever that we demonstrate to terrorists that we will use technology to detect and stop them before they can strike again,” said Richard Salem, CEO of Thermal Matrix International, developer and distributor of suicide bomb detection systems. “Fortunately, that technology is now available for use wherever terrorists pose a threat.”

An affiliate group of al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which comes in the aftermath of another suicide attack in eastern Afghanistan. In that instance, the bomber walked up to a checkpoint in the Ali Sher district, then detonated explosives concealed in a vest, killing 13 civilians.

Both of these attacks were by terrorists who hid their explosives beneath their clothing. It is exactly the situation that the Thermal Matrix ACT2 System has been designed to detect in advance, allowing sufficient time for interdiction.

“Thermal Matrix has developed capabilities that enhance the detection abilities of infrared sensors, allowing security forces to see potential threat objects beneath clothing,” Salem said. “The ability of our systems to reveal hidden plastic, liquid, powder and gel explosives make them a powerful tool in advance detection.”

The Thermal Matrix ACT2 System integrates with infrared sensors, expanding on their abilities. The system improves concealed object threat detection through target identification, target tracking, and color analysis of potential person-borne improvised explosive devices (PBIEDs). ACT2 also provides ability to display and control the imagery of multiple sensors, adding DVR functions so scenes can quickly be reviewed or archived. All of these features combine to improve the operator’s ability to use IR sensors for concealed object detection.

The company has also introduced ACT Advanced, a module that adds the same features to existing infrared sensors, adding capability to existing inventory.

Both the ACT2 Threat Detection System and ACT Advanced are on display and being demonstrated to attendees of the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), in Tampa, May 22-24.

“SOFIC provides the ideal setting for our first open display of our advancing technologies,” said Chris Jadick, VP of Communications for Thermal Matrix. “In the war on terror, standoff detection that can alert authorities and create an opportunity for intervention before a terrorist can reach the target or a security checkpoint is increasingly important. We are proud of our latest advancements, and look forward to meeting with those who need it.”

Attendees of SOFIC can see Thermal Matrix systems in booth 1050. In addition, more information can be found on the company’s web site, ThermalMatrix.com.