America's Secret Kill List: How the CIA Takes Down Terrorists

 

A Predator drone armed with Hellfire missiles eliminated terrorist al-Awlaki as he traveled in a convoy

     Ever wondered how the U.S. manages to keep its citizens safe from the world's most dangerous terrorists? Welcome to the shadowy world of the "targeted killing list," a high-stakes game of cat and mouse where the stakes are life and death. This list, maintained by the U.S. government and intelligence community, is a secret roster of individuals deemed to pose significant threats to national security. Let's dive into this clandestine operation and explore how the intelligence community eliminates those who endanger American lives.

     The targeted killing list, often called the "kill list," is not just a collection of names. It's a carefully curated dossier of the world's most dangerous individuals. These are the masterminds behind terrorist plots, the leaders of extremist groups, and the operatives who plan to wreak havoc on innocent lives. The process of getting on this list involves rigorous vetting, including legal, ethical, and intelligence assessments. It's a measure of last resort, reserved for those who pose an imminent threat.

     Interestingly, in the MISSION OF VENGEANCE spy thriller, CIA spymaster Corey Pearson and his elite team are assigned to hunt down and eliminate the former KGB spies behind the brutal murder of an innocent American family at a Caribbean resort. You’ll get an insider look at the CIA’s “Kill or Capture” list. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!

     So, in the real world, just how does the U.S. take out these high-value targets? Let's look at some real-life examples. Anwar al-Awlaki was a Yemeni-American cleric and a leading figure in al-Qaeda. Known for his eloquent English-language sermons promoting jihad, al-Awlaki became a significant threat as he inspired and directed terrorist attacks against the U.S. His digital reach made him a priority target.

     Anwar al-Awlaki posed a severe threat to Americans through his involvement in multiple terrorist plots. In the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, he was linked to Major Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people, having been inspired by al-Awlaki's extremist ideology. That same year, al-Awlaki directed Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Christmas Day Bomber, in his attempt to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253 en route to Detroit. In 2010, Faisal Shahzad's failed Times Square car bombing was also connected to al-Awlaki, who had provided training and support. These incidents underscore al-Awlaki's dangerous influence and active role in orchestrating attacks against the United States.

     In 2011, U.S. intelligence pinpointed al-Awlaki's location in Yemen using a combination of human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). A drone strike was authorized, and a Predator drone armed with Hellfire missiles executed the strike, eliminating al-Awlaki as he traveled in a convoy.

     And, of course, Osama bin Laden, the most famous name on any targeted killing list, the al-Qaeda leader behind the September 11 attacks. For nearly a decade, he eluded capture by hiding in Pakistan.

     In 2011, after years of meticulous intelligence gathering, the CIA located bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad. President Obama authorized Operation Neptune Spear, a Navy SEAL raid. SEAL Team 6 executed the mission, storming the compound and killing him in a brief but intense firefight.

     Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds Force, was another high-profile target who made it onto the “kill list”. He was responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks against U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East.

     In one incident in 2011, Soleimani was linked to the killing of Americans at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. Soleimani, as the commander of Iran's Quds Force, orchestrated the attack through an Iranian-backed militia group, Kata'ib Hezbollah. The militia used rocket-assisted mortars to target the base, resulting in the deaths of multiple U.S. soldiers.

     U.S. intelligence sought revenge, and in January 2020, Soleimani was tracked to Baghdad, Iraq. U.S. intelligence used SIGINT to monitor his movements. When he arrived at Baghdad International Airport, a drone strike was launched, killing Soleimani and several of his associates, significantly disrupting Iran's regional influence.

     These operations are not without controversy. The ethical implications of targeted killings are hotly debated, with concerns about sovereignty, collateral damage, and the potential for abuse. However, proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect American lives from imminent threats.

     The intelligence community's ability to carry out these operations hinges on cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned spycraft. Satellite surveillance, drone technology, cyber intelligence, and human assets on the ground all play crucial roles. It's a complex web of coordination, precision, and secrecy.

     I wrote a piece a while back about the CIA’s High-Value Target Assassinations, which mentions other persons who were eliminated after being considered dangerous to the American public.

     For the average American, the targeted killing list represents a line of defense against those who would do us harm. It's a testament to the lengths the U.S. will go to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. While the methods may be shrouded in mystery and debate, the results speak for themselves—neutralizing some of the world's most dangerous individuals before they can carry out their deadly plans.

     In a world where the threats are ever-present and evolving, the targeted killing list remains one of the most potent tools in the U.S. intelligence arsenal, a secret weapon wielded to protect lives and maintain national security. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and authors the ‘Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster’ series. Check out his latest spy thriller, ‘Mission of Vengeance’.