NCJ Number
86022
Date Published
1980
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Factors limiting a host government's options for responding to terrorist sieges and hostage incidents are examined, based on an analysis of terrorist sieges that have occurred in Western Europe during the past decade.
Abstract
The first variable is the nature of the seizure, which may be planned or unplanned. Unplanned sieges may occur when emotions have been raised to a high pitch or when authorities have located a hideout where terrorists are hiding a kidnap victim. Terrorists may also take hostages when another form of attack is interrupted or frustrated by the police or to prevent the hostages from becoming a hindrance to the main attack. However, some sieges may be aimed solely at taking hostages. The location of the siege is the second crucial variable and may be wholly within one nation's jurisdiction, within a foreign embassy or consulate, or within an international or intergovernmental organization. The hostages may be civilians of a host government, politicians or symbolic leaders of a host government, civilians of a foreign government, or foreign dignitaries such as diplomatic personnel or foreign government leaders. Terrorist groups involved in hostage incidents may be categorized according to their political orientation, strategic goals, and area of operations. The final variable is governmental policy, which can limit response options. Western European governments need to adhere to the principles of upholding law, overt actions to restore confidence, and the use of civilized responses to uncivilized actions. Policies may range from no-concession stances to a more flexible approach to outright capitulation. Governments need to develop contingency plans before an incident occurs, although specific responses must be developed on a case-by-case basis. One hundred fifteen reference notes are included.