Terrorists are becoming more daring, ruthless, and willing to go to violent extremes to accomplish their goals. Terrorists prefer operations that have a high probability of success and escape. But terrorists may choose a hardened, well-defended target, especially if success is likely and if they can justify the end result as worth the risk. Terrorist groups have active cadres who train other terrorists. These trainers emphasize tactics that have been proven successful.
Terrorists reconnoiter and maintain extensive surveillance to gather detailed intelligence.
They plan and rehearse their attacks. The trainers teach measures to counter response actions and innovations. And as governments take action to counter terrorism, terrorist organizations often alter their tactics. The many existing terrorist organizations constitute a threat for both peacetime and wartime. The probability of terrorism and other acts of sabotage and subversion is heightened during periods of hostilities.