From Direct Action to Network Disruption: The Evolution of High-Value Target Operations in Counterinsurgency
This paper analyzes the evolution of High-Value Target (HVT) operations within modern counterinsurgency and counterterrorism campaigns. Drawing on data from the Global Terrorism Database and the Big Allied and Dangerous database, the study traces the movement from leadership-focused direct-action missions toward intelligence-driven approaches emphasizing threat-network disruption. Historical case studies demonstrate how intelligence fusion, special operations, and exploitation of captured material support operational success. Findings suggest that contemporary HVT operations achieve their greatest strategic value when integrated into broader intelligence, security, and stabilization efforts designed to degrade insurgent command-and-control structures and disrupt operational networks.
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Work Title From Direct Action to Network Disruption: The Evolution of High-Value Target Operations in Counterinsurgency Access Creators - Dorothy Gail Rey
Keyword - Counterinsurgency (COIN)
- High-Value Targeting (HVT)
- Special Operations Forces (SOF)
- Command and Control (C2)
- Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
- Threat Network Disruption
- Irregular Warfare
- Counterterrorism Operations
- Counter-Network Operations
- Joint Special Operations
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved) Work Type Research Paper Publication Date 2026 Subject - Counterterrorism
- Homeland Security
- Military Science
DOI doi:10.26207/gj3w-ne34 Deposited August 09, 2026 Versions
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Updated Keyword, Subject, Description, and 1 more Show ChangesKeywordSubject
- Counterinsurgency (COIN), High-Value Targeting (HVT), Special Operations Forces (SOF), Command and Control (C2), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Threat Network Disruption, Irregular Warfare, Counterterrorism Operations, Counter-Network Operations , Joint Special Operations
Description- Counterterrorism, Homeland Security , Military Science
Publication Date- This paper analyzes the evolution of High-Value Target (HVT) operations within modern counterinsurgency and counterterrorism campaigns. Drawing on data from the Global Terrorism Database and the Big Allied and Dangerous database, the study traces the movement from leadership-focused direct-action missions toward intelligence-driven approaches emphasizing threat-network disruption. Historical case studies demonstrate how intelligence fusion, special operations, and exploitation of captured material support operational success. Findings suggest that contemporary HVT operations achieve their greatest strategic value when integrated into broader intelligence, security, and stabilization efforts designed to degrade insurgent command-and-control structures and disrupt operational networks.
- 2026
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Added Creator Dorothy Gail Rey
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- https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
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