Masses of composite material are coupled together by means of one or more cables into a longitudinal barrier wall to provide security from terrorist threats by being able to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. The one or more cables are routed through tunnels within the masses. The tunnels have tapered openings to protect cable from being sheared apart when adjacent masses slide relative to one-another. Some of the cable is anchored to some of the masses. Each mass that is located at an end of a barrier wall is used to support anchoring means to anchor some of the cable. Such barrier walls are supported by a surface such as a ground surface and can be dragged along such a surface since a ground anchoring means isn't required. Given sufficient cable, such a barrier wall can withstand great longitudinal tension, and can absorb and endure great amounts of mechanical and thermal energy.