Changing Weapon Types in Terrorist Organizations: What Groups Have Used Drones?

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have in recent years become a deadly weapon, especially in areas of conflict around the world. Both state actors and non-state actors, including militia groups, insurgents, and terrorist organizations, produce and also have vast access to these drones. The demand for drones is rapidly increasing and continues to end up in the hands of violent fighting groups. UAVs are used commonly for rapid assaults, especially distant targets. Drones are also used as logistics for weapons such as explosive-laden UAVs for bombing, targeted strikes, and attacks that trespass borders. Drone use in these conflict zones changes and complicates war strategies critically, both offensive and defensively, and affects casualty count and incidents drastically. This poster presentation uses GTTAC (Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center) Records and Incidents Database (GRID) and analyzes drones used by terrorist organizations.

Author

• Ayse Selma Bahceci, George Mason University