The 2013 Westgate Mall Attack

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

Understanding the Distinctions between "Hardened" and "Soft" Terrorist Targets

In the realm of counter-terrorism and security, the terms "hardened" and "soft" targets are often used to describe the vulnerability of potential targets to terrorist attacks. Understanding the differences between these two types of targets is crucial for developing effective security strategies and mitigating the risk of terrorist attacks.

What are Soft Targets?

Soft targets are locations or individuals that are easily accessible and vulnerable to terrorist attacks. These targets often have many points of public access, making it difficult to secure them effectively. Soft targets can include:

Public transportation hubs, such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals
Shopping malls and retail stores
Restaurants and cafes
Schools and universities
Places of worship and other community centers

Soft targets often have limited security measures in place, making them more susceptible to attacks. They may also have a high volume of foot traffic, which can make it difficult to detect and prevent attacks.

What are Hardened Targets?

Hardened targets, on the other hand, are locations or individuals that have been specifically designed or modified to be more secure and resistant to terrorist attacks. These targets often have limited ingress and egress points, making it easier to control access and prevent unauthorized entry. Hardened targets can include:

Government buildings and embassies
Military bases and installations
High-security prisons and detention centers
Secure data centers and other critical infrastructure
High-rise office buildings and other secure commercial properties

Hardened targets often have advanced security measures in place, including:

Access control systems and biometric identification
Surveillance cameras and monitoring systems
Secure entry and exit points
Reinforced doors and windows
Advanced threat detection systems

Key Distinctions between Hardened and Soft Targets

While both hardened and soft targets can be vulnerable to terrorist attacks, there are some key distinctions between the two:

Accessibility: Soft targets have many points of public access, while hardened targets have limited ingress and egress points.
Security Measures: Hardened targets have advanced security measures in place, while soft targets often have limited or no security measures.
Vulnerability: Soft targets are more vulnerable to terrorist attacks due to their accessibility and lack of security measures.
Risk: Hardened targets are generally considered to be lower-risk than soft targets due to their advanced security measures and limited accessibility.

The Importance of Understanding Hardened and Soft Targets

Understanding the distinctions between hardened and soft targets is crucial for developing effective security strategies and mitigating the risk of terrorist attacks. By identifying and prioritizing the security of hardened targets, governments and organizations can reduce the risk of attacks and protect their citizens and assets.

Case Studies: Examples of Hardened and Soft Targets

There have been several high-profile terrorist attacks on both hardened and soft targets in recent years. Some examples include:

The 2013 Westgate Mall Attack: In Nairobi, Kenya, a group of terrorists attacked the Westgate Mall, a soft target with many points of public access. The attack resulted in the deaths of 67 people and injured over 175.
The 2015 Paris Attacks: In Paris, France, a group of terrorists attacked several hardened targets, including the Bataclan concert hall and the Stade de France. The attack resulted in the deaths of 130 people and injured over 350.
The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings: In Sri Lanka, a group of terrorists attacked several hardened targets, including churches and hotels. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 250 people and injured over 500.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between hardened and soft targets is crucial for developing effective security strategies and mitigating the risk of terrorist attacks. By identifying and prioritizing the security of hardened targets, governments and organizations can reduce the risk of attacks and protect their citizens and assets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hardened and Soft Targets

In our previous article, we discussed the distinctions between hardened and soft targets, and the importance of understanding these differences in the context of counter-terrorism and security. Here are some frequently asked questions about hardened and soft targets, along with answers to help clarify the concepts:

Q: What is the difference between a hardened target and a soft target?

A: A hardened target is a location or individual that has been specifically designed or modified to be more secure and resistant to terrorist attacks. A soft target, on the other hand, is a location or individual that is easily accessible and vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Q: What are some examples of hardened targets?

A: Examples of hardened targets include government buildings and embassies, military bases and installations, high-security prisons and detention centers, secure data centers and other critical infrastructure, and high-rise office buildings and other secure commercial properties.

Q: What are some examples of soft targets?

A: Examples of soft targets include public transportation hubs, such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals, shopping malls and retail stores, restaurants and cafes, schools and universities, and places of worship and other community centers.

Q: Why are hardened targets considered to be lower-risk than soft targets?

A: Hardened targets are considered to be lower-risk than soft targets because they have advanced security measures in place, such as access control systems and biometric identification, surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, secure entry and exit points, and reinforced doors and windows.

Q: Can soft targets be made more secure?

A: Yes, soft targets can be made more secure by implementing advanced security measures, such as access control systems and biometric identification, surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, secure entry and exit points, and reinforced doors and windows.

Q: What is the role of intelligence in identifying and prioritizing hardened and soft targets?

A: Intelligence plays a critical role in identifying and prioritizing hardened and soft targets. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement organizations use a variety of sources and methods to gather information about potential targets and assess their vulnerability to terrorist attacks.

Q: How can governments and organizations prioritize the security of hardened and soft targets?

A: Governments and organizations can prioritize the security of hardened and soft targets by:

Conducting risk assessments and vulnerability analyses
Implementing advanced security measures, such as access control systems and biometric identification, surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, secure entry and exit points, and reinforced doors and windows
Providing training and education to security personnel and other stakeholders
Developing and implementing emergency response plans and protocols
Collaborating with other governments and organizations to share intelligence and best practices

Q: What is the importance of understanding the distinctions between hardened and soft targets in the context of counter-terrorism and security?

A: Understanding the distinctions between hardened and soft targets is crucial for developing effective security strategies and mitigating the risk of terrorist attacks. By identifying and prioritizing the security of hardened targets, governments and organizations can reduce the risk of attacks and protect their citizens and assets.

Q: Can hardened targets be compromised by a determined attacker?

A: Yes, hardened targets can be compromised by a determined attacker. However, the likelihood of a successful attack on a hardened target is lower than on a soft target due to the advanced security measures in place.

Q: What is the role of technology in securing hardened and soft targets?

A: Technology plays a critical role in securing hardened and soft targets. Advanced security systems, such as access control systems and biometric identification, surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, and threat detection systems, can help to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.

Q: How can individuals and communities contribute to the security of hardened and soft targets?

A: Individuals and communities can contribute to the security of hardened and soft targets by:

Reporting suspicious activity and behavior to authorities
Participating in security awareness and training programs
Providing feedback and suggestions for improving security measures
Collaborating with security personnel and other stakeholders to share information and best practices
Supporting and participating in community-based security initiatives and programs.