Why would terrorists use biological weapons?
Terrorists may choose biological weapons because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not instantly cause illness. Because there is a delay between a release and the onset of illness, it takes more time for authorities to conclude that there has been an attack. Once you consider that there usually is not a large explosion or visible hot zone, terrorists have a greater chance of avoiding detection. Although bioterrorism requires technical knowledge, biological weapons are cheaper than nuclear or radiological weapons.
Related Questions
- Can I get vaccinated against biological weapons -- anthrax, plague, smallpox, or other diseases -- that might be spread by terrorists?
- Have terrorists been actively seeking chemical and biological weapons capabilities? If so, what have they been doing with them?
- How fearful are we that terrorists will eventually use biological weapons in an attack on the United States?
