What constitutes a successful terrorist interdiction?

A successful terrorist interdiction is defined by the ability to prevent a known or suspected terrorist from carrying out an action that could lead to violence or harm. This concept is rooted in proactive measures taken by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to thwart potential attacks before they can occur. When the actions of a terrorist are interrupted effectively, it implies that the system in place—through intelligence gathering, surveillance, community engagement, and tactical response—has worked as intended to protect citizens and maintain public safety.

The other options reflect scenarios that do not align with the objective of a successful interdiction. For instance, a documented investigation with no arrests indicates that while there may have been intelligence efforts, they did not culminate in preventing a potential threat. An intervention resulting in violence would signify a failure to protect the public, as the goal of interdiction is precisely to avoid violent outcomes. Finally, a failure to gather intelligence suggests a lack of essential information needed to prevent a terrorist act, which fundamentally contradicts the principles of a successful interdiction.