Strategic Operational Plan Proposal (SOPP) Draft Click here to download the Strategic Operational Plan Proposal (SOPP) template that is needed to complete this deliverable. You are an operations officer for the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and you were instructed by the special agent in charge (SAC) of the task force to develop a Strategic Operational Plan Proposal (SOPP) and to have the first draft as detailed as possible for the SAC's review. He gave you this assignment because you already conducted research on numerous sections of the proposal, and you are expected to incorporate your previous work into this outline. For this first draft, the information needs to be clear and concise, with general substantive work. The following scenario gives you the necessary information to complete the SOPP: The al-Qaeda terrorist organization is attempting to infiltrate two cells composed of 12 individuals each into a major metropolitan city in the United States. The al-Qaeda cells are funded by a Russian organized crime faction that is trying to penetrate Chicago, IL and displace Chicago's local syndicate known as The Outfit. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, through external and internal U.S. sources, identified the Russian organized crime (OC) faction and its methodology of money laundering in 2012 but delayed a response because signal intelligence (SIGINT) identified the OC's relationship with al-Qaeda. The city of Chicago was identified as the terrorist organization's main target, but it is not known how the group will gain access to the United States at this time. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) identified that the Russian OC faction is attempting penetration into Chicago's drug, gambling, and prostitution operations for which The Outfit is currently the dominant leader. Chicago police reported three separate assassination-style murders of Russian OC local leaders and attributed the murders to The Outfit. The National Security Agency (NSA) reported SIGINT between the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Miami-based Russian OC syndicate identifying the transfer of two low-yield nuclear devices to Iranian Ministry of Intelligence operatives at the port of Donetsk, Ukraine during the chaos caused by the separatist move from the Ukrainian government, who in turn where identified by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as having delivered the two nuclear devices to known al-Qaeda operatives with an unknown destination. The Department of Homeland Security (HLS) has increased the U.S. threat level to elevated. The CIA identified, through SIGINT (cell phones, texting, and e-mails), that al-Qaeda obtained numerous canisters of sarin gas (also known as GB) and is intent on using it against the United States in retaliation for its role in the Afghan war. The CIA and Department of Defense, U.S. Northern Command Intelligence identified the possible infiltration points for the al-Qaeda operatives to be along the Mexico/U.S..

1. Strategic Operational Plan Proposal (SOPP) Draft
Click here to download the Strategic Operational Plan Proposal
(SOPP) template that is needed to complete this deliverable.
You are an operations officer for the Joint Terrorism Task Force
(JTTF) and you were instructed by the special agent in charge
(SAC) of the task force to develop a Strategic Operational Plan
Proposal (SOPP) and to have the first draft as detailed as
possible for the SAC's review. He gave you this assignment
because you already conducted research on numerous sections
of the proposal, and you are expected to incorporate your
previous work into this outline. For this first draft, the
information needs to be clear and concise, with general
substantive work.
The following scenario gives you the necessary information to
complete the SOPP:
The al-Qaeda terrorist organization is attempting to infiltrate
two cells composed of 12 individuals each into a major
metropolitan city in the United States. The al-Qaeda cells are
funded by a Russian organized crime faction that is trying to
penetrate Chicago, IL and displace Chicago's local syndicate
known as The Outfit. The Office of the Director of National
Intelligence, through external and internal U.S. sources,
identified the Russian organized crime (OC) faction and its
methodology of money laundering in 2012 but delayed a
response because signal intelligence (SIGINT) identified the
OC's relationship with al-Qaeda. The city of Chicago was
identified as the terrorist organization's main target, but it is not
known how the group will gain access to the United States at
this time. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) identified that
the Russian OC faction is attempting penetration into Chicago's
drug, gambling, and prostitution operations for which The
Outfit is currently the dominant leader. Chicago police reported
three separate assassination-style murders of Russian OC local
leaders and attributed the murders to The Outfit.
The National Security Agency (NSA) reported SIGINT between

2. the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Miami-
based Russian OC syndicate identifying the transfer of two low-
yield nuclear devices to Iranian Ministry of Intelligence
operatives at the port of Donetsk, Ukraine during the chaos
caused by the separatist move from the Ukrainian government,
who in turn where identified by the Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) as having delivered the two nuclear devices to known al-
Qaeda operatives with an unknown destination. The Department
of Homeland Security (HLS) has increased the U.S. threat level
to elevated.
The CIA identified, through SIGINT (cell phones, texting, and
e-mails), that al-Qaeda obtained numerous canisters of sarin gas
(also known as GB) and is intent on using it against the United
States in retaliation for its role in the Afghan war. The CIA and
Department of Defense, U.S. Northern Command Intelligence
identified the possible infiltration points for the al-Qaeda
operatives to be along the Mexico/U.S. border.
The identification of the leader for terrorist cell number 1 was
made by the CIA. The cell is possibly composed of 12 men, of
whom 2 are of Arab descent, 7 Philippine, and 1 American. The
leader's name is Alwani abu Rayan, but he goes by the alias of
Roberto Martinez (his father was Iranian, and his mother was
Columbian). The American's name is John Q. Citizen, and he
was a resident of Chicago. Chicago FBI conducted a threat
analysis based on all source intelligence and identified the
O'Hare and Midway International Airports, the McCormick
Place Convention Center, and the Federal Reserve Bank of
Chicago as possible targets for the potential low-yield nuclear
weapons. Through the DEA, the FBI received intelligence that
the GB gas is most likely to be used by the second terrorist cell
against the leadership of The Outfit. It is believed that the
Russian gang may not be aware that their cooperation with the
al-Qaeda organization may also include nuclear devices, which
may have catastrophic implications to their vision of controlling
the territory belonging to The Outfit.
All information has been provided to the FBI, and the FBI has

3. assigned you as their lead planner. You are provided with the
additional guidance that the mission parameter dates are from 1
June through 6 July 201X. You were also provided guidance as
to the mission: conduct counterterrorist operations in the
vicinity of Tucson, AZ to apprehend and destroy terrorist cells
infiltrating the United States. Also, conduct counterterrorist
operations in the area of Chicago, IL to apprehend and destroy
terrorist cells that may have already infiltrated into that area.
The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Teams Delta 1 and 2 are
assigned to the missions, respectively. Both teams are composed
of FBI, HLS, Department of Defense, NSA, DEA, and local law
enforcement with a total body count of 45 each.
Assignment Details
Prepare the outline of your Strategic Operational Plan Proposal
(SOPP) based on the scenario given and the SOPP template
provided. Click here for guidance in using the correct APA
sequence for this assignment. There are segments of the SOPP
that the scenario does not have information for, and it is your
responsibility to research what the best assumptions are and
identify them as such. Complete Sections I–III using research
previously conducted in the first 3 phases as well as the
scenario information. You must also provide the strategies that
you recommend for countering the identified threats (entry
points in Mexico as well as possible targets in Chicago).
Reference
Purdue University. (2013, March 1). Four main components for
effective outlines. Retrieved from
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/01/
I.
Analysis of the current situation:
A.
Organized crime encompasses a group of individuals who
function around a set structure in order to commit acts of
violence or otherwise circumvent the law for financial gain

4. (Paoli, 2014). Terrorism, on the other hand, is essentially the
organized perpetration of violence that is intended to persuade
or threaten a group into political, religious or otherwise social
submission (Hoffman, 2017).
B.
Al-Qaeda threats to Chicago
1.
Al-Qaeda
2.
Mission: To expel westerners from all predominately Muslim
countries and establish and expand a global Caliphate (Anti-
Defamation League, 2019)
3.
Cell structure composition: Around 12 men in each cell who are
independent but pledge allegiance to centralized command
(Anti-Defamation League, 2019).
1.
Current disposition: Mostly middle east, with some groups in
Africa pledging allegiance (Anti-Defamation League, 2019)
4.
Reporting structure (names of leaders and team/cell members):
1.
12 men, 2 of Arab descent, 7 Philippine, and 1 American.
2.
The leader's name is Alwani abu Rayan, but he goes by the alias
of Roberto Martinez (his father was Iranian, and his mother was
Columbian).
3.

5. The American's name is John Q. Citizen, and he was a resident
of Chicago.
4.
Second cell is unknown at this time, though likely made up of
similar demographics.
5.
Communications strategy and methodology: After loss of
leadership base, internet plays a vital role in communications
(Anti-Defamation League, 2019). Attacks are planned and
information spread via the web (Anti-Defamation League,
2019).
6.
Types of threat capabilities available to the organization:
suicide bomb, biological weapons, chemical weapons, lone wolf
attack, (Anti-Defamation League, 2019)
7.
Terrorist organization’s center of gravity: middle managers
(Neumann, Evans, & Pantucci, 2011) and radicalized westerners
such as John Q. Citizen (Silber, 2011)
C.
Discussion of Nexus between terrorist organization(s) identified
as a threat and organized crime (OC)/transnational organized
crime (TOC) organization(s).
1.
OC organization name: Solntsevskaya Bratva
2.
Mission: Vory V Zakone, or to live life and gain economic
power as professional criminals (Sebogodi, 2014)

6. 3.
Organization’s composition (structure): Clustered Hierarchy;
numerous semi-independent groups that operate under the
umbrella of Sontsevskaya Bratva (Sebogodi, 2014)
1.
Disposition (geographical locations): Mostly Russia, but also
internationally based (Sebogodi, 2014)
4.
Reporting structure (Leaders and organization members):
1.
Each group has a Vor V Zakone, or Boss (Sebogodi, 2014).
2.
The Boss is then supported by deputies of various specialties;
bankers, strategists etc. (Sebogodi, 2014).
3.
Soldiers are usually bodyguards made up of ex-athletes and the
like (Sebogodi, 2014).
4.
A council of 12 individuals convenes yearly to control of the
entire organization (Sebogodi, 2014).
5.
Communications strategy and methodology:
1.
Russian Federal Security Service (Sebogodi, 2014).
2.
burner phones (Sebogodi, 2014).

7. 6.
Identified nexus between the OC/TOC organization and the
terrorist organization: Quid pro quo – their current short-term
goals have temporarily aligned, but they are not necessarily
permanently tied together, or loyal to each other’s cause. The
Russian mafia is essentially paying the terrorist organization for
their services (Hysong, 2018).
7.
Impact of risk related to the nexus: OC and Terrorist strengthen
each other; OC gives terrorism more capital and resources, and
terrorist give OC more firepower and manpower (Hysong,
2018).
8.
Illegal activities of the OC/TOC: Extortion, money laundering,
retail, drugs, oil, gas, prostitution (Sebogodi, 2014).
1.
Level of participation throughout Moscow is high; leaders even
go on to become “legitimate” businessmen as investment
bankers etc. (Sebogodi, 2014).
9.
Center of gravity: Profit. Without income, the syndicate is
nothing (Hysong, 2018).
D.
Threat assessment and identification of potential targets to
include type(s) of threat medium and corresponding
deliverable(s).
1.
Type of threat(s): Two low-yield nuclear devices and numerous
canisters of Sarin gas.

8. 2.
Delivery means: nuclear devices by car or by truck. Sarin gas
through individual detonation.
3.
DTG: 1 June through 6 July 2020
4.
Location(s) of possible attack(s):
1.
Nuclear devices will likely target the O'Hare and Midway
International Airports, the McCormick Place Convention
Center, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
2.
Sarin gas target is leadership of The Outfit, located across the
city of Chicago.
5.
Potential after effects of attack(s): complete breakdown of
transportation system, interruption of communications in and
out of the city, widespread panic, civilian casualties of up to
2,000, disruption of global stock exchange, unknown total
exposure to Sarin gas.
II.
MISSION of the Operation
•
Who: The mission of the operation involves two teams of 45
each,
•
What: Highly trained agents

9. •
Where: one team deployed in Tucson, Arizona and the other in
Chicago, IL.
•
When: For the months of January – August 2020
•
End State: halting the terrorist cells in their tracks, and
infiltrating and arresting the Russian mob.
III.
Strategies for countering the identified organizations.
Counterterrorism strategy against Al Qaeda
•
Arrest, detain and prosecute mid-level members of the cell
operating in Chicago under the PATRIOT act. Make an example
of them. Without these leaders, the cell will likely collapse
spontaneously.
•
Prevent new cells from erupting or entering the country through
strict border control in Tucson, AZ.
o
Find and utilize intelligence shared with Mexican authorities to
find out where the second cell is planning on entering from to
stop them in their tracks
•
Track down and seize the illegal weapons of mass destruction
•
Offer a reward for any information leading to the terrorist’s

10. capture
•
Use PATRIOT act to disrupt and track communications by
careful monitoring of e-mail and social media accounts
Counter-Organized Crime strategy against Solntsevskaya Bratva
•
Disrupt and dismantle underground activities throughout
Chicago.
o
Prosecute any pending money laundering schemes immediately
o
Decrease the lucrative allure of prostitution, gambling etc. as
much as possible
o
Take them out economically
•
Develop informants
o
Arrest and flip as many soldiers and mid-level experts as
possible to develop enough evidence to prosecute the higher ups
•
Plant undercover operatives
•
Use RICO law to bug as many cell phones as possible to track
both communications and location
Strategic Operational Plan Proposal Reviewed
by:________________________________

11. (Instructor’s Name)
APPROVED/DISSAPROVED
Date/Time:____________________/___________hours.
References
Anti-Defamation League. (2019). Al Qaeda Terrorism Profiles.
Retrieved October 24, 2019, from Anti-Defamation League
website: https://www.adl.org/resources/profiles/al-qaeda
Hoffman, B. (2017). Inside Terrorism (3rd ed.). New York:
Columbia University Press.
Hysong, J. (2018, August 31). The New Mafia. Daily Kos.
Retrieved from
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/8/31/1792415/-The-
New-Mafia
Neumann, P., Evans, R., & Pantucci, R. (2011). Locating Al
Qaeda’s Center of Gravity: The Role of Middle Managers.
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 34(11). Retrieved from
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1057610X.2011.6
11936
Paoli, L. (Ed.). (2014). Oxford Handbook Of Organized Crime.
(1st ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Sebogodi, K. (2014). Solntsevskaya Bratva. In Academia.edu.
Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/10354477/Solntsevskaya_Bratva
Silber, M. D. (2011). Al-Qa`ida’s Center of Gravity in a Post-
Bin Ladin World. CTC Sentinel, 4(11). Retrieved from
https://ctc.usma.edu/al-qaidas-center-of-gravity-in-a-post-bin-
ladin-world/