(TLP:CLEAR) Research Report – Violent Extremist Targeting of Critical Infrastructure

Summary: A recent in-depth article from Homeland Security Today examines recent trends associated with violent extremists’ attacks on critical infrastructure. The author emphasizes that understanding the patterns, motivations, and targeting methods behind violent extremist attacks are critical for developing effective security strategies and safeguarding the resilience of critical infrastructure. 

Analyst Note: The report notes that in recent years, terrorists and violent extremists have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure due the potential to cause not only immediate destruction but also long-term societal and psychological disruption when these critical functions are attacked. As part of his research, the author analyzed the Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center (GTTAC) data on targeted facilities from 2018 to 2024. GTTAC defines “facilities” as physical locations targeted by violent extremists.

The dataset reveals that infrastructure-related targets accounted for an overwhelming majority of violent extremist targeted facilities. In particular, transportation networks and public spaces were the primary targets within the infrastructure category, likely since attacks on these targets can cause widespread disruption and significant human casualties. 

The types of weapons used in infrastructure attacks indicate a heavy reliance on conventional and easily accessible methods of violence. Firearms accounted for the largest share of incidents, while improvised explosive devices and other explosives followed close behind. On tactics used, terrorists preferred direct assaults utilizing the above-mentioned weapons. Overall, the research reveals that violent extremists prioritized attacks on more accessible “soft” targets over heavily secured “hard” targets. Therefore, it underscores the importance for water and wastewater utilities to enhance their physical security posture by extending their perimeter security and implementing visible physical security measures for deterrence purposes.

Original Source: https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/infrastructure-security/targeting-the-backbone-terrorist-threats-to-critical-infrastructure/

Additional Reading:

• Strategic Targets: Analyzing Facility Selection in Global Terrorist Attacks

Mitigation Recommendations:

• CISA – Bombing Prevention
• CISA – Personal Security Considerations Action Guide
• Awareness of Violent Extremist Tactics To Defeat Physical Security Can Improve Response

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 1, 2, & 4