A comprehensive illustrated overview of the dynamic operations that have saved lives in hostage situations around the world. Based on strategies proven successful in numerous incidents, including the landmark SAS rescue at Prince's Gate, London, and compiled by an author with intimate and practical knowledge of the field, this book explains why the success of a rescue is often determined in the hours leading up to confrontation. Once an incident is contained, a large share of the responsibility for a successful conclusion rests with the hostage negotiator, whose job is to save the lives of both hostage and hostage-taker. But if negotiations fail, it becomes necessary to send in the hostage-rescue team to resolve the situation by force and skill. Hostage Rescue Manual explains the complex factors that determine the entry methods undertaken by a team, with discussion of the pros and cons of stealth versus dynamic approaches, plus the significance of distraction in securing successful site entry. Operations in widely differing locations from nuclear power plants to airliners are detailed, as are the range of special weapons available to the men and women tackling each incident. We learn of the multiple roles played by participants, such as the use of snipers as intelligence sources. With vivid photographs and diagrams of rescue units in action, Hostage Rescue Manual is the complete reference work on counter-terrorist procedures all over the world. This revised edition updates the book with an entirely new section devoted to developments in hostage rescue, among them operations in Russia and Iraq, since first publication.

リロイ・トンプソンの本作は、単なる戦術書を超えた、極限状態の決断を巡る人間ドラマの設計図です。救出劇の裏にあるのは冷徹な論理と使命感の衝突。成功の鍵が突入の瞬間ではなく、対峙までの静かな時間に宿るという洞察は、読者が抱く危機管理の概念を根本から揺さぶるほど鮮烈です。 本書の真髄は、交渉と武力が一点で結実するプロフェッショナリズムにあります。狙撃手が情報の窓となり、交渉人が言葉を盾にする。緻密な戦術の奥に潜むのは「命を救う」という重厚な人間賛歌です。最前線の息遣いと、圧倒的リアリズムに裏打ちされた知性が読者の魂を激しく揺さぶる一冊です。