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Assessing the Public Health Consequences of Terrorist Attacks on Telecommunications Infrastructure: A Global Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2024

Zakaria Mani Open the ORCID record for Zakaria Mani [Opens in a new window]  and
Krzysztof Goniewicz Open the ORCID record for Krzysztof Goniewicz [Opens in a new window]
Zakaria Mani*
Affiliation:
Nursing College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia and
Krzysztof Goniewicz*
Affiliation:
Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force University, Dęblin, Poland
*
Corresponding authors: Zakaria Mani and Krzysztof Goniewicz; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]
Corresponding authors: Zakaria Mani and Krzysztof Goniewicz; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives

This study investigates the public health implications of terrorist attacks on telecommunications infrastructure globally, assessing the direct and indirect impacts on emergency response and medical services.

Methods

Utilizing retrospective analysis, this research delves into incidents recorded in the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) from 1970 to 2020. The study employs descriptive statistical methods to identify patterns and examine the regional distribution and frequency of these attacks, alongside the types of weaponry used and the direct casualties involved.

Results

The analysis underscores a significant focus on telecommunications by terrorist groups, revealing a frequent use of high-impact weapons like explosives and incendiary devices aimed at maximizing disruption. The study highlights considerable regional variations in the frequency and nature of attacks, emphasizing the strategic importance of these infrastructures to public safety and health systems.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the critical need for robust security enhancements tailored to regional threats and the integration of advanced technologies in public safety strategies. The research advocates for enhanced international cooperation and policymaking to mitigate the impacts of these attacks, ensuring telecommunications resilience in the face of global terrorism.

Keywords

terrorismtelecommunicationspublic healthemergency responsesecurity measuresinternational cooperationglobal terrorism database (GTD)
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e312
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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