RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ Post

Read NESA Center alumni Syeda Tahreem Bukhari and Abdul Basit's latest paper on "Counterterrorism and Strategic Competition." Published on July 24, 2024, this paper is now available on the NESA Center website. #NESACenterAlumni #Counterterrorism #StrategicCompetition https://lnkd.in/eP4jQZi5

Though incidents of jihadi violence in the West remain relatively low, there has been a notable proliferation of Sunni jihadi groups worldwide. Despite apparent fragmentation within the central leaderships of al-Qa`ida and the Islamic State, their affiliates are exhibiting signs of growth and expansion. Jihadism retains its appeal as a viable resistance doctrine. It is imperative to recognize that jihadism continues to wield significant influence and is extending its reach into various regions. Moreover, a shift towards a more localized jihadi strategy suggests a re-calibration of tactics among extremist factions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that any sustained success within the jihadi movement would necessitate a level of moderation fundamentally at odds with its ideological underpinnings. #counterterrorism #terrorism #cbrn #cbrne CBRNE ATLANTIC BRIDGE (CAB) #Jihadist #jihad #defense #extremism Combating Terrorism Center United States Military Academy at West Point #intelligence #intelligencecommunity

The attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow in March 2024 demonstrates that not only is the Islamic State in Khorasan Province the Islamic State's most dangerous affiliate, but also that it has effectively exploited gaps in current international counterterrorism efforts.  Read the full article from Dr. Tricia Bacon here: https://lnkd.in/exi75jNV #Defense #IslamicState #Moscow #Russia #InternationalSecurity #NationalSecurity #Terrorism #Counterterrorism

In multipolarity, chaos will be a constant. Terrorism and extremism will inevitably rise in the aftermath of the previous order's demise. In such testing times, how can India and Russia strengthen their counterterrorism cooperation to prevent independent and state-sponsored militants from gaining the upper hand? #crocusattack #russiaukraine #russiaukrainewar #ukraineconflict #crocus #indiarussia #moscow #newdelhi #brics #G20 #indopacific #terrorism #extremism #counterterrorism #SCO #RATS #QUAD #shanghaicooperationorganisation #UN #UNOCT #ISIS #militancy #insurgency #counterinsurgency #crisisprevention #crisis https://lnkd.in/ex-JAhQM

As of December 30, 2024, the threat of terrorist attacks against Western societies remains significant, influenced by various global and regional dynamics. Key factors contributing to this threat include: 1. Geopolitical Tensions and Conflicts Middle East Instability: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has heightened global tensions. Terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qaeda, have exploited this situation to mobilize affiliates and supporters, aiming to retaliate against U.S., Israeli, and Jewish interests. This has led to an increased risk of attacks inspired by or directly linked to these groups. RSIS Resurgence of ISIS: In Syria, the potential resurgence of ISIS amid regional chaos poses a renewed threat. The group's increased activity in the Syrian desert raises concerns about their capacity to launch new attacks, potentially extending their reach to Western targets. POLITICO 2. Domestic Extremism Far-Right and Far-Left Extremism: Western nations are experiencing a rise in politically motivated violence from both far-right and far-left extremist groups. These groups, often decentralized and operating within national borders, contribute to a complex and evolving threat landscape. CSIS 3. Exploitation of Migration and Border Vulnerabilities Infiltration via Migration Routes: There are documented instances of individuals with terrorism ties exploiting migration routes to enter Western countries. For example, over 300 migrants on the U.S. terror watchlist, including ISIS suspects, have been apprehended crossing the southern border under the current administration. This underscores vulnerabilities that terrorist organizations may seek to exploit. NEW YORK POST 4. State-Sponsored Terrorism and Proxy Networks Iran's Influence: Concerns have been raised about Iran potentially activating Hezbollah sleeper cells in Western countries as a form of retaliation in geopolitical conflicts. Such state-sponsored networks pose a significant threat to national security in Western societies. THE TIMES 5. Technological Advancements and Cyber Threats Use of Technology by Terrorist Groups: The increasing use of technology by terrorist organizations, including cyber capabilities and online propaganda, has expanded their reach and the complexity of threats faced by Western societies. WILLIS TOWERS WATSON Conclusion While Western societies have implemented robust counter-terrorism measures, the evolving nature of global conflicts, domestic extremism, and technological advancements continue to pose significant challenges. Continuous vigilance, international cooperation, and adaptive security strategies are essential to mitigate these threats effectively. https://lnkd.in/gAQkNVBs

Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones - The Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah urged collective action against terrorism and emphasized the need for unity in facing this challenge. He stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not linked to any religion, culture, or ethnic group. - Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, cautioned that the travel routes used by groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda pose significant risks, especially in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit and move individuals across poorly secured borders. - https://lnkd.in/eA-jUubr

The United States is gravely concerned about the increase of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as democratic backsliding, and urges the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) to continue to promote inclusive democratic processes in the region, which will also strengthen counterterrorism efforts. https://lnkd.in/ebrWymHx #UNOWAS

On April 17th, 2024, the #telegram channel “Kavkazskiy Khrebet” reported the publication of an audio recording by militants from #ingushetia presented themselves as “the mujahideen of the Ingush Jamaat of the Wilayat Kavkaz,” appealing to religious radicals in the #caucasus to support the #islamicstate. The resurgence of Islamist radical activity in the #northcaucasus region, particularly attributed to the Ingush Jamaat of the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz, poses a significant threat to regional #stability and #security. Recent developments, including the dissemination of #propaganda materials and #counterterrorism operations, underscore the persistent challenge posed by extremist elements. This his report, Giuliano Bifolchi, PhD provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation and offers recommendations to address the developing threat. #specialeurasia #terrorism #kavkazfiles #russia 🇷🇺 #riskassessment #jihad #isis #kavkaz #geopoliticalrisk #geopoliticalintelligence

In the next in the series of articles under VIF's project "Reflections on PM Narendra Modi's Foreign Policy", Lt General S A Hasnain authors "Major Shift in India’s Counter-Terrorism Policy Over the Last 10 Years: A Layman Understanding" providing an in-depth analysis of India's counter-terrorism policy over the last 10 years. It covers various phases of terrorism experienced by India, the shift in policy pre-2014, and the actions taken post-2014, especially in J&K. Gen. Hasnain highlights that India faces challenges from a new wave of global terror, requiring continuous vigilance and networking with regional CT organizations.Success in CT efforts has been attributed to improved intelligence coordination, surveillance, and neutralization of terror enablers. Recent attacks in the Jammu region signal the ever-evolving and persistent nature of terrorism, necessitating a comprehensive and long-term strategy. https://lnkd.in/gpzwJpxp