News Why Hasn't Commercial Air Travel Been Attacked by Missiles?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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The discussion centers on the surprising lack of missile attacks on commercial airlines and terrorist attacks on trains and public spaces, despite the perceived ease of executing such acts. Participants express skepticism about the actual threat posed by terrorism, suggesting that the security measures in place may effectively deter attacks. They note that while there have been instances of missiles targeting civilian aircraft, the logistics of successfully executing such attacks are more complex than they appear. The conversation also touches on the idea that many potential terrorists may not act due to personal connections or a change in perspective after arriving in a new country. Additionally, there is a belief that the threat of terrorism may be overstated, as the frequency of attacks does not align with the number of alleged terrorist cells. The discussion concludes with a recognition that while numerous methods exist to cause harm, the actual execution of these plans is hindered by various factors, including the effectiveness of intelligence and security services.
  • #31
Greg Bernhardt said:
Why haven't we seen commercial airlines attacked by missles yet? I can't imagine it's that hard to smuggle in an RPG. Many planes fly real close to the ground outside airport limits before landing. This seems like taking candy from a baby, yet we haven't seen it yet. I would imagine it would be even easier in some 3rd world countries.

Also why haven't we seen any terror attacks on trains? How easy would it be to throw a stick of dynomite on the tracks of an oncoming train? Or organize several people to throw grenades in some malls. It seems so easy. Yet they spend years developing complex plans.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/16/plane.repel.missile/

Good questions Greg. I've often wondered the same thing. From the standpoint of Al-Qaeda, I see two misgivings with the RPG hitting a plane plan.

1. Wouldn't it be somewhat hard to hit a plane with an RPG unless the terrorist were on the property of the airport? I mean, these aren't heat-seeking missiles.

2. If a terrorist did manage to hit an airplane that was about to land with an RPG, would most of the people on the plane perhaps survive it? I mean, would an RPG cause a large plane to explode like TWA Flight 800 did? I personally doubt it.

On the other hand, Al-Qaeda has so many people willing to die for the cause, I'm surprised that Al-Qaeda hasn't given this a shot. I mean, an RPG doesn't cost that much.

Why throw hand grenades at malls? Why not at the Superbowl where there is a higher density of people?
 

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