Which operation focuses on the prevention of terrorism?

The focus of counterterrorism is to prevent terrorism by employing various strategies, tactics, and operations that aim to deter threats posed by terrorist organizations and to disrupt their operations. This encompasses intelligence gathering, surveillance, and the use of military or law enforcement resources to mitigate risks before they materialize into actual acts of terrorism.

Counterterrorism efforts can involve a combination of offensive operations aiming to dismantle terrorist cells, protective measures to safeguard potential targets, and collaborative efforts with international partners to enhance global security against the terrorism threat. These comprehensive strategies are designed to not only respond to incidents of terrorism but also, more crucially, to prevent them from occurring.

In contrast, special reconnaissance focuses more on gathering intelligence and observing enemy forces without direct engagement and isn't primarily centered on preventing terrorism. Direct action refers to specialized military operations that can engage targets directly, often in response to imminent threats rather than prevention. Combat support indicates auxiliary roles that aid primary military operations but do not focus specifically on countering terrorism. Therefore, counterterrorism is the distinct choice that aligns directly with the objective of preventing terrorism.