The attack is carried out by activating explosives worn or carried by the terrorist in the form of a portable explosive charge, or planted in a vehicle he is driving. In spite of the imminent danger to the terrorist s life, as long as there is a possibility of the attack being carried out without him being forced to kill himself during the course of it, this should not considered to be a suicide attack. However, these preparations in themselves do not turn the attack into a suicide attack. The existence of such arms or explosives and even the decision use them does not constitute adequate grounds for the attack to be defined as a suicide attack. As mentioned above, in a true suicide attack, the terrorist knows full well that the attack will not be executed if he is not killed in the process.
Suicide attacks attract wide media coverage.
A suicide attack is a newsworthy event for the media as it indicates a display of great determination and inclination for self-sacrifice on the part of the terrorists. Although a suicide attack is a very primitive and simple attack, the use of suicide tactics guarantees that the attack will be carried out at the most appropriate time and place with regard to the circumstances at the target location. In this regard the suicide bomber is no more than a sophisticated bomb a carrier that brings the explosive device to the right location and detonates it at the right time. In a suicide attack, as soon as the terrorist has set off on his mission his success is virtually guaranteed. Planning and executing the escape route after a terror attack has occurred is usually one of the most complicated and problematic stages of any terrorist attack.