Do Targeted Killings Increase or Decrease Terrorism? Evaluating the Evidence and Other Considerations

Counter-terrorism Criminology Public Policy

The counterterrorism policy of eliminating global jihadist movement leaders through targeted killings has increased dramatically over the last decade (New America Foundation, 2016). With targeted killings in Pakistan peaking around 2010, just prior to the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden, unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) strikes continue in countries like Yemen and Somalia. Now a main feature of the twenty-first century war on terrorism, high-profile targeted strikes receive substantial media attention, symbolizing the U.S. commitment to punishing terrorists and preventing future attacks.