Targeted killing as a tool of counterinsurgency: Case study of night raids in Afghanistan
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| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The tactic of targeted killing is one of the most often used methods in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism campaigns. It seeks to decapitate the leadership of an insurgent or terrorist organization, degrade its organization and operational capabilities and bring an end to the group eventually. Many controversies are related to the use of this tactic, especially with regards to its legality, morality, potential and practical effectiveness and wider consequences. The major subject of the debates about targeted killings is the unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) strikes. However, another similarly controversial targeted killing technique of night raids is often overlooked. This article tries to fi ll this gap in part. It argues that targeted killing as a tool of counterinsurgency can be more counterproductive than benefi cial, as demonstrated on the general overview of the case study of night raids conducted as part of the counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan since 2001. |
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