Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico

CD 341
HAUGSTVEDT, Håvard
Still aiming at the harder targets [Recurso eletrónico] : an update on violent non-state actors’ use of armed UAVs / Håvard Haugstvedt
Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 18, n. 1 (March 2024), p. 132-143
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DRONE, GUERRA, JIHAD ISLÂMICA, IÉMEN

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones, are integrated into the repertoire of both state and violent non-state actors (VNSAs). This Research Note and presents descriptive statistics on violent non-state actors’ use of armed UAVs. This armed UAVs in attacks. The UAV attacks are recorded across the globe, from Mexico and Ecuador, through the Middle East and North Africa, to Myanmar. However, 91.3 percent of the attacks occurred in the Middle East and North Africa. The majority of UAV attacks are directed at hard targets, such as military targets. However, the Houthis in Yemen stand out as a VNSA more willing to attack civilian infrastructure, such as airports, energy infrastructure, and the commercial shipping industry, using UAVs as a strategic weapon. The showcasing of UAVs potential in combat and conflict by state and non-state actors through media and social media is likely to influence actors who have yet to incorporate UAVs into their repertoire.