scholarly journals Opioid Attack and the Implications for Counter-Terrorism Medicine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Derrick Tin ◽  
Zachary Kallenborn ◽  
Alexander Hart ◽  
Attila J. Hertelendy ◽  
Gregory R. Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Chemical Weapons ◽  
Terrorist Organizations ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Chemical Weapons Convention ◽  
Response Measures ◽  
Potential Use

Abstract While the opioid epidemic engulfing the United States and the globe is well-documented, the potential use of powerful fentanyl derivatives as a weapon of terror is increasingly a concern. Carfentanyl, a powerful and deadly fentanyl derivative, is seeing a surge in popularity as an illegal street drug, and there is increasing congressional interest surrounding the classification of opioid derivatives under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) given their potential to cause harm. The combination of the potency of opioid derivatives along with the ease of accessibility poses a potential risk of the use of these deadly agents as chemical weapons, particularly by terrorist organizations. Disaster Medicine specialists in recent years have established a sub-specialty in Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) to address and research the unique terrorism-related issues relating to mitigation, preparedness, and response measures to asymmetric, multi-modality terrorist attacks.

Terrorism-Related Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear Attacks: A Historical Global Comparison Influencing the Emergence of Counter-Terrorism Medicine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Derrick Tin ◽  
Fredrik Granholm ◽  
Alexander Hart ◽  
Gregory R. Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Fecal Matter ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Global Comparison ◽  
State Terrorism ◽  
Fatal Injuries

Abstract Background: Terrorist attacks are growing in complexity, increasing concerns around the use of chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. This has led to increasing interest in Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) as a Disaster Medicine (DM) sub-specialty. This study aims to provide the epidemiology of CBRN use in terrorism, to detail specific agents used, and to develop training programs for responders. Methods: The open-source Global Terrorism Database (GTD) was searched for all CBRN attacks from January 1, 1970 through December 31, 2018. Attacks were included if they fulfilled the terrorism-related criteria as set by the GTD’s Codebook. Ambiguous events or those meeting only partial criteria were excluded. The database does not include acts of state terrorism. Results: There were 390 total CBRN incidents, causing 930 total fatal injuries (FI) and 14,167 total non-fatal injuries (NFI). A total of 347 chemical attacks (88.9% of total) caused 921 FI (99.0%) and 13,361 NFI (94.3%). Thirty-one biological attacks (8.0%) caused nine FI (1.0%) and 806 NFI (5.7%). Twelve radiation attacks (3.1%) caused zero FI and zero NFI. There were no nuclear attacks. The use of CBRN accounted for less than 0.3% of all terrorist attacks and is a high-risk, low-frequency attack methodology. The Taliban was implicated in 40 of the 347 chemical events, utilizing a mixture of agents including unconfirmed chemical gases (grey literature suggests white phosphorous and chlorine), contaminating water sources with pesticides, and the use of corrosive acid. The Sarin gas attack in Tokyo contributed to 5,500 NFI. Biological attacks accounted for 8.0% of CBRN attacks. Anthrax was used or suspected in 20 of the 31 events, followed by salmonella (5), ricin (3), fecal matter (1), botulinum toxin (1), and HIV (1). Radiation attacks accounted for 3.1% of CBRN attacks. Monazite was used in 10 of the 12 events, followed by iodine 131 (1) and undetermined irradiated plates (1). Conclusion: Currently, CBRN are low-frequency, high-impact attack modalities and remain a concern given the rising rate of terrorist events. Counter-Terrorism Medicine is a developing DM sub-specialty focusing on the mitigation of health care risks from such events. First responders and health care workers should be aware of historic use of CBRN weapons regionally and globally, and should train and prepare to respond appropriately.

scholarly journals Efektivitas Penggunaan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) dalam Strategi Kontra-Terorisme Amerika Serikat di Pakistan (2004-2012)

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Egalita Irfan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
The United States ◽  
Terrorist Organizations ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
The World ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an armed unmanned plane, which is also one of the most advanced technologies developed by the United States. UAV is more superior compared with other kinds of weapon. Currently, it is used in many parts of the world as a part of the United States' counter-terrorism measure. However, the use of UAV in Pakistan since 2004 to 2012 does not successfully reduce the number of terrorist attack that happens on that country. This research aims to figure out the reasons behind this failure through the use of congruence in retrospective. The results show that the failure of UAV relies upon 3 factors: (1) US did not really understand the characteristic of targeted terrorist organizations, (2) there is a mistake in the decision making based on the intelligence cycle, and (3) the nonexistent of local society's support.

Terrorist Attacks in Western Europe: A Counter-Terrorism Medicine Analysis

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Derrick Tin ◽  
Dennis G. Barten ◽  
Harald De Cauwer ◽  
Luc JM Mortelmans ◽  
Gregory R. Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
French Revolution ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Database Search ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Modern Concept ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Reign Of Terror

Abstract Background: The modern concept of terrorism has its roots in the “old continent” of Western Europe, more specifically in France, during the “Reign of Terror” period of the French Revolution. At the time, this form of state terror had a positive connotation: it was a legitimate means of defending the young state. While no single accepted definition of terrorism exists today, it is universally considered an attack on both state and society. The health care impacts of terrorist attacks often extend disproportionally beyond the casualty toll, but the potential for such events to induce mass casualties remains a concern to Disaster Medicine and Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) specialists. Method: Data collection was performed using a retrospective database search through the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The GTD was searched using the internal database search functions for all events which occurred in Western Europe from January 1, 1970 - December 31, 2019. Years 2020 and 2021 were not yet available at the time of the study. Primary weapon type, country where the incident occurred, and number of deaths and injured were collated. Results were exported into an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corp.; Redmond, Washington USA) for analysis. Results: A total of 15,306 events were recorded in Western Europe out of a total of 201,183 events world-wide between the years 1970 and 2019 inclusive. This resulted in a total of 5,548 deaths and 17,187 injuries. Explosives were used as a primary weapon/attack modality in 8,103 attacks, followed by incendiary attacks in 3,050 events and firearm use in 2,955 events. The use of chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons was rare and only accounted for 47 events. Conclusion: From 1970 through 2019, 9.11% of all terrorist attacks occurred in Western Europe. Compared to global trends of attack methodologies in the same study period, the use of explosives as a primary attack modality in Western Europe was similar (52.94% in Western Europe versus 48.78% Global). Firearm use was comparatively low (19.31% versus 26.77%) and the use of CBRN as an attack modality was rare (0.30% versus 0.20%). The United Kingdom, Spain, and France accounted for over 65% of all terrorist attacks and over 75% of terrorism-related deaths in Western Europe.

scholarly journals Humanitarian engagement under counter-terrorism: a conflict of norms and the emerging policy landscape

2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (883) ◽  
pp. 623-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naz K. Modirzadeh ◽  
Dustin A. Lewis ◽  
Claude Bruderlein
Keyword(s):  
Armed Conflict ◽  
The United States ◽  
United Nations Security Council ◽  
International Humanitarian Law ◽  
Humanitarian Law ◽  
Terrorist Organizations ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Terrorist Groups

AbstractThis article identifies two countervailing sets of norms – one promoting humanitarian engagement with non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in armed conflict in order to protect populations in need, and the other prohibiting such engagement with listed ‘terrorist’ groups in order to protect security – and discusses how this conflict of norms might affect the capacity of humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving assistance in areas under the control of one of these groups. Rooted in international humanitarian law (IHL), the first set of norms provides a basis for humanitarian engagement with NSAGs in non-international armed conflict for the purpose of assisting populations under their control and promoting compliance with the rules of IHL. The second set of rules attempts to curtail financial and other forms of material support, including technical training and co-ordination, to listed ‘terrorist’ organizations, some of which may qualify as NSAGs under IHL. The article highlights counter-terrorism regulations developed by the United States and the United Nations Security Council, though other states and multilateral bodies have similar regulations. The article concludes by sketching ways in which humanitarian organizations might respond to the identified tensions.

scholarly journals Understanding Adaptive Bioterrorism Methods: Counter Terrorism Medicine implications of Bongkrekic Acid Poisoning

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Derrick Tin ◽  
Attila J. Hertelendy ◽  
Fadi Issa ◽  
Gregory R. Ciottone
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Reduce Risk ◽  
Bongkrekic Acid ◽  
Terrorist Events

Terrorist attacks fall under a unique category within the disaster medicine (DM) spectrum. Unlike accidental man-made disasters where there is an inherent pre-disaster objective to reduce risk and mitigate potential hazards, terrorist events have the aim of intentionally inflicting maximum casualties and disrupting the day to day functioning of society.

The Chemical Weapons Convention and the Contribution of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to Sustainable Development

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 617-629
Author(s):  
Trevor Michael Rajah ◽  
Grant Dawson ◽  
Lydia Aylett
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Chemical Weapons ◽  
Critical Importance ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
The Past ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Chemical Weapons Convention ◽  
Peace And Security

Abstract The concepts of disarmament, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development are interdependent and inextricably linked. In order to achieve the goals set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, states must abandon the competitive ‘arms culture’, cooperate to prevent violence by non-state actors, and divert resources towards peace and security. This article examines the past, present and future role of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in furthering sustainable development through disarmament and counter-terrorism. As the Organisation considers its future priorities and focuses on promoting the peaceful use of chemistry and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons, the links between peace, security, and development will continue to be of critical importance.

scholarly journals The Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act: United States Control Over Exports

1996 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-149
Author(s):  
Rex J. Zedalis
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Export Control ◽  
Chemical Weapons ◽  
Chemical Agent ◽  
Military Application ◽  
Chemical Weapons Convention ◽  
The Military ◽  
Total Sales

During 1994, the total sales value of chemicals exported from the United States exceeded $51 billion, up 15 percent over the previous year and resulting in the chemical sector outpacing all other sectors that finished the year with favorable trade balances. Chemicals leaving the United States were shipped under the control provisions of both the Department of Commerce's Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Department of State's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Though this is something of an oversimplification, the EAR basically concerns itself with products that have civilian application, and the ITAR with products of use to the military. Currently, the Commodity Control List of the EAR, overseen by Commerce's Office of Export Licensing within the Bureau of Export Administration, identifies fifty-four chemicals and ten toxins as intermediate agents and precursors to chemical weapons subject to export regulation. The Munitions List of the ITAR, administered by the Office of Defense Trade Controls of the State Department's Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, identifies twenty-two chemicals as subject to regulation and cautions that this listing is merely illustrative, as any “chemical agent,” defined as “a substance having military application,” is subject to export control.

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