Urban Battle Fields of South Asia: Lessons Learned from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines several case studies of sustained campaigns of urban terrorism perpetrated by various domestic groups in the countries of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. One focus of this research addresses the modus operandi of the militant outfits. It describes the tactics they employ, their targeting means and objectives, and the ways in which these groups have innovated and evolved over time. This report illuminates, where possible, links that militant groups forge with other such organizations within South Asia and beyond. This work also examines the ways in which the three states respond to the menace of urban terrorism. It explains how each state mobilizes its security apparatuses (military, paramilitary, police), intelligence agencies as well as legislative and judicial bodies to counter the emerging threats. Finally, this research identifies key insights from these country-specific case studies that may inform U.S. stability operations in the cities of Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. This product is part of the RAND Corporation monograph series. RAND monographs present major research findings that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND monographs undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA429920

Entities

People

  • C. C. Fair

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Employment
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • Human Population
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Societies
  • Students
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.