What type of weapon is most commonly used by terrorists?

Explosives are often the weapon of choice for terrorists due to their ability to cause mass destruction and instill fear within a population. They are relatively easy to acquire, can be constructed from readily available materials, and can be used in a variety of ways to maximize impact, such as in bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The psychological effect of explosive attacks can also be significant, leading to widespread panic and disruption in addition to physical damage.

While biological agents, nerve agents, and firearms can certainly be employed in terrorist activities, explosives have been historically favored because they can create significant casualties and destruction in a single event, making them particularly effective for terrorists aiming to achieve political or ideological goals.