Q17. The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

Model Answer:

Introduction

‘Hot Pursuit’ refers to cross-border operations against terrorists, while ‘Surgical Strikes’ involve precise military actions targeting specific threats. Both tactics aim to enhance national security and deter future attacks. 

Body

Strategic Impact of Hot Pursuit

1. Immediate Response: Hot pursuit allows for rapid military action, demonstrating decisiveness against terrorist threats and reinforcing national resolve to combat terrorism effectively.
2. Deterrence: Successful hot pursuit operations serve as a deterrent, signalling to terrorists that they cannot operate freely across borders without facing consequences, thus reducing their activities.
3. International Relations: Engaging in hot pursuit can strain diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, especially if actions are perceived as violations of sovereignty, complicating future cooperation.
4. Intelligence Gathering: Conducting hot pursuit operations enhances intelligence capabilities, allowing for a better understanding of terrorist networks and their operations, crucial for preventing future attacks.
5. Public Sentiment: Hot pursuit can bolster domestic support for government actions, reinforcing public perception of a strong stance against terrorism, which is vital for political stability.  

Strategic Impact of Surgical Strikes

1. Precision Targeting: Surgical strikes aim at specific terrorist installations, minimizing collateral damage and civilian casualties, thus maintaining ethical standards in military engagements.
2. The message of Strength: Surgical strikes project military strength and capability, reassuring citizens and adversaries alike that the state can defend its sovereignty effectively and decisively.
3. Operational Secrecy: These strikes often rely on covert operations, allowing governments to maintain an element of surprise and protect sensitive intelligence sources from exposure.
4. Psychological Impact: Surgical strikes can demoralize terrorist organizations by demonstrating vulnerability and unpredictability, which can disrupt their planning and operational capabilities significantly.
5. Regional Stability: Conducting surgical strikes may promote regional stability by weakening specific terrorist factions, contributing to broader counter-terrorism efforts and supporting international security initiatives.

Conclusion

Both hot pursuit and surgical strikes are strategic tools in counter-terrorism, enhancing national security and deterrence. Their careful implementation is essential for maintaining regional stability and public support.  

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