Tools of Terrorism: Kidnapping to Weapons of Mass Destruction

From kidnapping to cyber terrorism, box knives to weapons of mass destruction, the means by which terrorists instill terror in their targets are varied and horrific. Terrorism is a very old activity. During the Roman Empire the Roman military contaminated their enemy's drinking water with the carcasses of animals. It is also thought that, in an early form of biological warfare, the early European settlers of the Americas used smallpox-contaminated blankets in their efforts remove the native peoples.
 
While the terrorists may use homemade plastic explosives, car bombs or biological weapons, the ultimate tool of terrorism is the terror it provokes. The terrorist hopes that this fear will have a domino effect in the target country, causing:
  • decreased confidence in the economy
  • suspicion and discord
  • uncertainty in government intelligence-gathering ability.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Weapons of mass destruction include biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Terrorism using these types of weapons is called WMD terrorism. While it's likely that terrorists will continue to use conventional forms of terrorism, such as car or suicide bombings, their ability to obtain or produce weapons of mass destruction may be increasing. Two groups that call for attention in WMD terrorism are the Aum Shinrikyo and Al Qaeda.
 
To date, nothing suggests that terrorist use of biological or chemical warfare or nuclear weapons of mass destruction is state sponsored. Because terrorists cannot be completely controlled, it's not in a country's best interest to sponsor such acts or acquisitions; it's possible that those same terrorists could use these weapons against that country in the future. But perhaps the biggest deterrent to WMD terrorism is the fear of retaliation from the target.
 
Follow the links to learn more about the tools of terrorism