NCJ Number
96807
Date Published
1984
Length
64 pages
Annotation
Although authorities in many countries have made great progress in combating terrorism, it remains a worldwide problem which continues to show every sign of becoming less discriminate and more bloody.
Abstract
Although physical security and specialized skills have been used successfully against terrorism in several countries, the total volume of terrorist activity worldwide has increased during the last 10 years. The highest number of casualties was in 1983, when 720 people died and 963 were injured in terrorist incidents. Even excluding the October 1983 truck bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, these totals were substantially higher than those of the previous year. Although fewer incidents occurred in 1983 than in 1982, the number of incidents with fatalities more than tripled. The widespread use of car bombs focused attention on the threat from suicidal terrorists. In addition, the number of terrorist attacks directed against ordinary citizens has increased by 68 percent. Little terrorist activity has occurred within the United States, but American diplomats, businesses, and facilities remain the most frequent targets abroad. Much international terrorist activity continues to occur in Europe, particularly in France. Activities have declined in some countries and increased in others. Terrorist incidents in Israel declined after Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon; attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets abroad have increased. In Latin America, attacks on foreign targets have declined. Modern terrorists have not achieved their stated long-term goals, but their activities persist. Figures, footnotes, and 21 references are included.