In terrorist terminology, what refers to a murder of a prominent person for political reasons?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Anti-Terrorism Officer Level II Training Test. Challenge yourself with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The term that refers to the murder of a prominent person for political reasons is assassination. In the context of terrorism and political motivations, assassination is specifically aimed at eliminating individuals who are seen as obstacles or threats to a particular political ideology, group, or cause. This act is often premeditated and intended to send a message or instigate fear within a society or government.

Assassinations have been used throughout history as a tactic to destabilize governments, eliminate opposition, or create a martyr for a specific cause. By targeting influential figures such as political leaders, military commanders, or activists, assassinations can provoke political change or influence public opinion.

Other terms mentioned, such as ambush, raid, and sabotage, refer to different types of tactical actions that do not involve the specific act of killing a prominent person for political motives. Ambush typically refers to a surprise attack, raid describes a sudden attack on a target to achieve a goal (often involving theft or capturing), and sabotage involves deliberately damaging or obstructing something to weaken an entity’s capabilities, all of which are distinct from the concept of assassination.