World-renowned expert in the fields of counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and VIP protection, Leroy Thompson has now produced the most up-to-date guide to counter-insurgency. His experience both in the field and in training showcases the latest methods and technologies available and this fully illustrated book reveals many of the secrets of his trade.

Counter-insurgency is fast becoming one of the most important aspects of police and military work around the world, with forces often deployed at short notice to fight against an ill-defined enemy. With this in mind, Leroy Thompson describes the techniques best employed in a variety of situations, all illustrated with pictures and explained with examples of their use. He stresses that the primary concern in every situation ought to be a ‘Hearts and Minds’ style operation comprising an attempt to achieve objectives without the use of force – it is only after all such possibilities have failed that the use of force should be considered, and then only by highly trained special forces operatives.

The very political nature of counter-insurgency operations means that operatives are often working under extremely tense and delicate circumstances. The operations are often extremely violent and short-lived, but Thompson emphasises that they must be part of a wider significance for anyone with an interest in world security.