Counterterrorism
Counter-terrorism, also spelled as counterterrorism, is work to prevent and fight against terrorism. Counter-terrorism is usually done by governments, militaries, paramilitaries, police forces, and special counter-terrorism units.
There are many different ways to do counter-terrorism. An important goal is to stop terrorism before it happens. This is done by trying to find out about plans to commit terrorism. If the plan is discovered, sometimes the terrorists can be arrested or security can be sent to protect the target of the terrorism.
Sometimes no one finds out about the terrorist plot until it starts to happen. When this happens, police or counter-terrorist soldiers may be sent to try and stop the terrorists from completing the plan, which usually leads to combat.
Counter-terrorists are also a playable team in the video game Counter-Strike and the subsequent sequels.
Counterterrorism Media
GIGN operators in 2015. GIGN is the counterterrorist tactical unit of the National Gendarmerie of France.
Yamam, one of Israel's counterterrorism units
Transparent garbage bin installed at Central Station in Sydney, Australia. The bin's transparency allows police to easily examine its contents, discouraging the placement of bombs or weaponry inside.
Australian Army soldiers under the International Security Assistance Force interacting with a civilian in Tarinkot, Afghanistan in 2008 during the War in Afghanistan, part of the war on terror
Israeli Iron Dome active protection system, capable of intercepting airborne rockets and artillery shells
GSG 9 troopers disembarking from a helicopter in 1978. GSG 9 was one of the first tactical units to be established for the specific purpose of counterterrorism.
FBI Hostage Rescue Team agents
Malaysian Army Gerak Khas operatives during a training exercise in 2016
