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Season Four Research Files
Episode Eleven
5:00pm - 6:00pm
A cell is a group of terrorists operating together. The members will usually know each other, but will not necessarily know anyone outside the cell to protect the other links in the chain. There is usually one recognized leader who has a channel to communicate to and from higher headquarters.
Planning or support cells are mainly responsible for fund raising, and sometimes providing the other cells with drivers' licenses, credit cards and lodging. Sleeper cell members may have lived in the target country for years, doing nothing until activated. They usually handle the logistics of the operation. The Al Qaeda training manual specifically addresses the need of operatives to blend into the surrounding environment and conducting numerous recon missions prior to launching a terrorist attack.
Execution cells are brought in at the final stages of the plan. They use the resources supplied by the other cells to activate the attack. Operation commanders usually enter only at the last moment before the attack, and are the only link between local cells and the larger organization -- such as an Al Qaeda.
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