COMBATING TERRORISM: Observations on Biological Terrorism and Public Health Initiatives

Abstract

The U.S. intelligence community continuously assesses both the foreign-origin and the domestic terrorist threat to the United States and notes that, overall, conventional explosives and firearms continue to be the weapons of choice for terrorists. Terrorists are less likely to use biological and chemical weapons than conventional explosives, at least partly because they are difficult to weaponize and the results are unpredictable. However, some groups and individuals of concern are showing interest in biological and chemical agents. The possibility that terrorists may use biological and chemical materials may increase over the next decade, according to intelligence agencies. While biological and chemical terrorism is still an emerging threat, many agencies have initiated programs and activities with Congress support and funding to combat and prepare for this threat.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 16, 1999
Accession Number
AD1102955

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Factors
  • Biological Weapons
  • Casualties
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Commerce
  • Emerging Threats
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Intelligence Community
  • Internet
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Public Health
  • Risk
  • Risk Analysis
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Strategic Security Studies