Here are a new set of notes from my CERT training discussing terrorism and what we as CERT do about it or rather not do about it.

What is terrorism?

State Department labels it as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

Terrorism may be perpetuated by foreign or domestic individuals or groups.

Examples of terrorism in the United States:

• Bombing of the World Trade Center 1993.
• Bombing of Alfred P Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City 1995.
• Bombing of the Atlantic Olympic Games 1996. Bombing at family planning clinics and gay bars in the Atlantic area 1996 – 1997.
• The destruction of the World Trade Center and a portion of the Pentagon 2001.
• The sending of anthrax through United States mail 2001

Each of these incidents demonstrates that we live with the possibility of additional terrorist attacks on our own soil.

Terrorist goals:

Terrorist attacks can occur with or without warning. Because of the nature of terrorist attacks, they can and often intended to result in:

• Mass casualties.
• Loss of critical resources.
• Disruption of vital services.
• Disruption of the economy.
• Heightened fear.

Terrorist targets:

Terrorist choose a targets to meet specific goals. Oklahoma bombing was a strike against the federal government. 9/11 attacks targeted both our economic center and our military establishment are raising cash to levels to new heights and changing the way Americans think about their safety.

Terrace may select “soft” or lightly protected targets over “hard” a very secure targets.

Potential terrorist targets might include:

• Seeds of government.
• Key industries.
• Bridges, subways, tunnels, and other key transportation facilities.
• Water supplies and utilities.
• Places of historical significance.
• Terrace may also be drawn to major events such as parades athletic and entertainment events. Because of this you may have seen increased security measures to help deter terrorism

Have something else to add? Please do so in the comment section this blog. Thanks.