ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the practical challenges facing the assaulters, and the principles, processes, and tactics of the assault. It reviews the principles and processes of assault–focusing on speed, surprise, and violence of action, and competing tactics for assaulters. The chapter suggests that the counterterrorist side should be prepared to synergize speed, surprise, and violence in ways that leave their opponents hapless in the brief moment of ultimate confrontation. It also suggests that the violence of action needs to be emphasized more given that new terrorists are aware of the principle and aim to achieve superiority of violence of action. The chapter focuses on assaults, rather than nonviolent resolutions to the crisis, such as a negotiated peaceful outcome, in which the active role for armed personnel is mostly to hold the perimeter defensively. Some analysts have suggested that if terrorists are intent on dying, the negotiator can negotiate an honorable death against combatants or discuss the handling of their bodies.
