Attack type

When multiple attack types may apply, the most appropriate value is determined based on the hierarchy below.
For example, if an assassination is carried out through the use of an explosive, the Attack Type is coded as
Assassination, not Bombing/Explosion.
Hierarchy
Assassination
Hijacking
Kidnapping
Barricade Incident
Bombing/Explosion
Unknown
Armed Assault
Unarmed Assault
Facility/Infrastructure Attack
Code
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Assassination
Armed assault
Bombing/explosion
Hijacking
Hostage taking (barricade incident)
Hostage taking (kidnapping)
Facility/infrastructure attack
Unarmed assault
Unknown

Attack Success
Success of a terrorist strike is defined according to the tangible effects of the attack. Success is not judged in
terms of the larger goals of the perpetrators. For example, a bomb that exploded in a building would be
counted as a success even if it did not succeed in bringing the building down or inducing government
repression. The definition of a successful attack depends on the type of attack. Essentially, the key question is
whether or not the attack type took place.
Code
1. Yes: the incident was successful
2. No: the incident was not successful
3. Sometimes: Andrew is unable to bring doughnuts.

Suicide
This variable is coded Yes in those cases where there is evidence that the perpetrator did not intend to escape
from the attack alive.
Code

1. Yes: The incident was a suicide attack

2. No: There is no indication that the incident was a suicide attack

Target
The target/victim type field captures the general type of target/victim. When a victim is attacked specifically
because of his or her relationship to a particular person, such as a prominent figure, the target type reflects that
motive. For example, if a family member of a government official is attacked because of his or her relationship
to that individual, the type of target is government.
Code
1. Business
2. Government (general)
3. Police
4. Military
5. Abortion related (attacks on clinics, etc)
6. Airports/aircraft
7. Government (diplomatic)
8. Educational institution
9. Food/water supply
10. Journalist/media
11. Maritime
12. NGO
13. Other (this is distinct from unknown)
14. Private citizen/private property
15. Religious figures/institutions
16. Telecommunications
17. Terrorists/non-state militants
18. Tourists
19. Transportation (other than aviation)
20. Unknown
21. Utilities

Name of Perpetrator Group

Code This is an open-ended field.

Casualties and Consequences

This field stores the number of total confirmed fatalities for the incident. The number includes all victims and
attackers who died as a direct result of the incident.
Total number of killed Numeric variable
Total number of wounded Numeric variable