Guardian 25670

[hankir]

Need help in understanding wordplay.

18D. Noted drama as half-cut alternative to 16, used in 9 by terrorists (8)

Operetta ( 16 is enter and 9 is operation)

Thanks in advance.

[shooty]

As a guess.
enter alternative is open. half = op
used by terrorists in operation. Beretta. cut = eretta.
op + eretta

[hankir]

Thanks shooty.

Terrorists using beretta? Too much of a stretch. Also nothing given to top off beretta.

[baz-za]

Difficult one. I think it's put together from 'ret', which is half of the return key (altnerative to 'enter' (16); inside ETA (terorists); used in 9 = 'op' for operation

[hankir]

Thanks baz-za.
Given that the theme is on computers and ETA is a terrorist organization, this
explanation works.

[davidas]

oper - cut operation? plus etta (basque terrorists)? could be..