What type of intelligence does HUMINT primarily collect?

HUMINT, or human intelligence, primarily collects information from human sources. This form of intelligence relies on interpersonal interactions and direct communication with individuals who have access to pertinent information. It encompasses various methods, including interviews, interrogations, and reports from informants or witnesses. HUMINT is essential in providing insights that are often not available through technical means, allowing for a deeper understanding of situations, motivations, and potential threats.

The focus on human sources distinguishes HUMINT from other forms of intelligence collection, such as technical and electronic intelligence, which gather data through surveillance technology or signals, and satellite and aerial surveillance data, which rely on imagery and sensor data. Financial and economic data may also be collected, but it typically falls under the domain of other intelligence disciplines rather than human intelligence specifically.