Abstract
The principal objective of Security Forces (SF) in counterterrorism (CT) operations is to eliminate terrorist threats, thereby creating a secure environment where the government administration can function unhindered. All elements of the operation, from logistics and communication to field manoeuvres, must cohesively support the primary mission (Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, 20241). This fundamental emphasis dictates that all associated activities, whether population control measures, area domination, IW or Perception Management, Op SADHBHAVNA, Civil–Military Relations, although important, are subordinated to the mission of neutralising terrorists and preventing the threat they pose. Time and resources are finite, operations are infinite. Thus, SF actions in CT operations are unambiguously mission-focused, intelligence-driven, strategically aligned, upholding the principal objective.
Keywords: Counterterrorism, Counter-terror operations (CTO), Military tactics, Tactical operations, Low-intensity conflict, Asymmetric warfare
