Strategies and Tactics to Counter Terrorist Attacks

With the growing threat of terrorism around the world, security managers find it increasingly complex and difficult to counter potential terrorist attacks against their organizations, especially when they must operate in unstable regions. Government agencies play a critical role, of course, but the reality is that it will often be up to private sector security professionals to develop strategies for protecting their own organization’s personnel working in hot zones.

To illustrate some of the strategies and methods useful for countering terrorist attacks, I provide work examples that were used in Iraq, primarily in Kirkuk, but also in areas in and around Mosul, Baghdad, and Basra, between 2003 and 2007. The real work examples come from operations that were carried out while working for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) assisting in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Kirkuk, situated 250 kilometers north of Baghdad, is a complex mix of Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen. Each group distrusts the other, and with that comes tension and violent criminal attacks. Add to this the homegrown terrorist cells that arose following the U.S.-led liberation and, to complicate the situation even more, the insurgent problem. Each different group has its own goals and agenda, each with its own tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Within this environment, NGO staff must try to carry out their daily duties, often working, and sometimes living, within the local communities.

In developing a security strategy to overcome the terrorist threat within the confines of the Iraq theater, I decided to use a strategy that I had developed previously. With this strategy, I first analyzed the steps that a criminal or a terrorist group would likely make prior to an attack and then developed counters for each of the steps.

Each of the counters is developed to achieve one of the following goals. The counter must either neutralize one of the terrorist or criminal groups’ strengths or exploit one of the groups’ weaknesses. Using this method has proven extremely successful.

Terrorists, and to a certain extent criminals, will generally adhere to the following process in developing an attack on an installation or operation.

First, the cell of like-minded individuals must come together. Once formed, the group will then develop an attack methodology. This will probably be dependent on background and skill sets of those within the group. The group will then assess and reconnoiter a number of likely targets, select their preferred target, and carry out detailed reconnaissance. When the terrorist group has gathered enough information to satisfy itself, it will plan its attack. This attack may or may not be preceded by some sort of “probe” into the security arrangements or procedures of the proposed target. When the group is ready, it will move into place to commence its attack of the target. Once the cell has completed its objective, it will withdrawal or remain, depending on the groups overall objective.

By breaking down and assessing each segment, it is possible to identify each potential attacker’s strengths and weaknesses. Afterwards, one can develop strategies and tactics that will counter them.