What is one of the initial phases of the terrorist planning cycle?

Broad target selection is indeed one of the initial phases of the terrorist planning cycle because it involves identifying potential targets that align with the objectives of the terrorist group. During this phase, attackers analyze various factors such as the symbolic value of the target, its accessibility, the likelihood of achieving their objectives, and the potential impact of an attack on their goals. This selection process is critical, as it lays the groundwork for the ensuing stages of planning and execution.

Understanding this phase is vital for counter-terrorism efforts, as recognizing patterns or intentions during the target selection might provide authorities with the opportunity to intervene before an actual attack is planned or executed.