Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Basic Officer Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a reason terrorists use suicide bombers?

1. Lack of an outfitted army

2. Final way to have their views heard

3. Most successful way of inflicting damage

4. Affects the least people

The correct answer is: Affects the least people

The assertion that terrorists using suicide bombers do so because it affects the least people is not accurate. In fact, one of the key reasons they employ such tactics is precisely to maximize the impact and fear caused by their actions. Suicide bombings typically aim for crowded public places to reach as many victims as possible, thereby amplifying the psychological and societal effects of the attack. This strategy is based on the understanding that creating large-scale casualties contributes to notoriety and compels attention to their cause, asserting their presence and beliefs in a dramatic way. In contrast, terrorists choose suicide bombers often because of a lack of conventional military resources or structured armies, the perceived effectiveness of suicide attacks in achieving their goals, and the need to ensure that their message is delivered with the ultimate act of sacrifice. This demonstrates a calculated approach to violence that seeks to draw maximum attention to their ideology and grievances, which goes against the premise that their goal is to affect the least number of people.