Geoscience Reference
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one. Recovery from the attack required millions of dollars of initial recov-
ery, the mobilization of military forces to Afghanistan, and the increased
expenditure and upgrade of modern-day security and law enforcement. The
success of that on the financial stability of the United States has motivated
other extremists to strike targets connected economically either directly or
indirectly economically.
Terrorist Cells
From within, virtually all groups use variants of cellular organizations at the tacti-
cal level to enhance security and to task organize for operations. Historically, ter-
rorist organizations displayed an organized, hierarchical approach to organization
and operation (Figure 14.1). This approach allows for top-down direction normally
led by an overall organization or individual. In a hierarchical approach, terrorist
cells may be identified by five main categorizations all led by both an overall com-
mand cell and a smaller, more unit-specific column command. Those five categories
are as follows:
1. Intelligence—The intelligence cell is responsible for reconnaissance of the
target location and intelligence gathering.
2. Financial—The financial cell is responsible for the funding all aspects of the
operation.
3. Logistical—The logistical cell is responsible for gathering the necessary
resources and personnel.
4. Operational—The operational cell is responsible for planning the attack.
5. Attack—The attack cell is responsible for carrying out the attack.
The smallest elements of terrorist organizations are the cells that serve as build-
ing blocks for the terrorist organization. One of the primary reasons for a cel-
lular or compartmentalized structure is security. The compromise or loss of one
cell should not compromise the identity, location, or actions of the other cells. A
Individual cell
(column)
command
Intelligence and
information
gathering
Operational
planning and
preparation
Financial
Logistical
Attack cell
Figure 14.1
Terrorists historically operate within hierarchical organizations.
