Leadership: Texas Hold 'Em Style
Andrew J. Harvey  More Info

Homeland Security

Terrorist CBRN: Materials and Effects

Home | Degree in Homeland Security | Open Source Intelligence | Homeland Security News | Terrorism Articles | Business Resources | Terrorism Books | Homeland Security Books | Military Perspective on Terrorism | Law Enforcement Perspective on Homeland Security | Law Enforcement Consulting | Contact Us | Site Map

Download the CIA Primer

Estey said the current anti-terrorism approach fails to incorporate the perspective and experience of leaders in state and local law enforcement, and does not adequately engage the more than 700,000 police officers nationwide in intelligence-gathering and terrorism prevention. "This is more of a federal strategy than a national strategy,"

According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Al-Qa‘ida and associated extremist groups have a wide variety of potential agents and delivery means to choose from for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attacks. Al-Qa‘ida’s end goal is the use of CBRN to cause mass casualties; however, most attacks by the group—and especially by associated extremists—probably will be small scale, incorporating relatively crude delivery means and easily produced or obtained chemicals, toxins, or radiological substances.

 

The success of any al-Qa‘ida attack and the number of ensuing casualties would depend on many factors, including the technical expertise of those involved, but most scenarios could cause panic and disruption.  The CIA has published a brief primer on Terrorist Materials and Effects.

© 2012 High Priority Targeting, Inc.