The document discusses the global issue of tunnel warfare and underground threats. Tunnels are used by various groups around the world for smuggling, terrorism, and military attacks. While tunnels in Gaza have received attention, many other areas like the US-Mexico border and Korean border also struggle with underground tunnels. Technologies are being developed to detect and destroy tunnels, but more solutions are still needed. The tunnel issue is becoming a business opportunity for defense companies to create detection and remediation technologies.

1. The 5th
Dimension:
Underground
Threat in Global
Context
August 2014

2. 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
Smuggling tunnel beneath
the Gaza-Egypt border,
may also vary in size and structure. Tunnels dug by Hamas
2013 ,AFP Photo/Mahmud
Hams
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

3. 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.
A tunnel discovered in
Nogales, Arizona in 2014,
Department of Homeland
Around 170 tunnels have been discovered since 1990, varying
Security
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

4. 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
Third Tunnel of
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.
Aggression, Josh Berglund
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

5. 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

6. 6
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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