A Review of Recent Trends in International Terrorism and Nuclear Incidents Abroad

This Note reviews trends in international terrorism and nuclear incidents abroad during the period 1980-1981. From the perspective of protecting U.S. nuclear and energy facilities from hostile attack, information on both of these aspects of terrorism is useful. Incidents of international terrorism, particularly those that require high levels of skill and organization, demonstrate the types of capabilities and weapons that adversaries might bring to bear against nuclear or other energy facilities. Overall trends in global terrorism may also lead to the creation of a climate that is conducive to nuclear and energy-related crime. More specifically, the record of nuclear-related incidents overseas provides valuable information about the possible motivations, capabilities, actions, and targets of potential adversaries of nuclear facilities in the United States. Between 1980 and 1981, incidents of international terrorism increased dramatically. There were 250 such incidents in 1980 and 326 in 1981, a nearly 100 percent increase over the previous two-year period. The number of incidents with fatalities also increased. Six basic tactics accounted for 95 percent of the total-incidents bombings, assassinations, armed assaults, kidnappings, barricade and hostage situations, and hijackings. Diplomatic facilities continued to be a popular target for terrorist seizures. Diplomats are the most common target in incidents of international terrorism, and this trend is increasing. In 1980 and 1981, numerous incidents also were directed against nuclear facilities abroad by political terrorists, antinuclear extremists, and foreign governments. Section II analyzes incidents of international terrorism. Section III examines nuclear incidents abroad. Appendixes A and B provide, respectively, chronologies of significant international terrorist incidents and nuclear-related incidents abroad during 1980-1981.