Targeted Killings

11 - Targeted Killings

  • differentiated from assassination because the name implies iteration (it happens more than once)
  • occurs if not routinely than regularly

its effectiveness is contingent on…

  • full spectrum intelligence
  • it is not effective in and of itself
  • must be combined in conjunction with other operations, specifically operations that resolve certain grievances

benefits

  • disrupts the operational capacity of insurgents
  • information dies with the individual

drawbacks

  • only effective in the short term - organizations are resilient and adapt to change, most organizations are able to survive the death of a leader
  • the devil you know is better than the devil you don't - perhaps the leader who replaces the victim will be worse
  • may create martyrs
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