Tim Clack’s Post

Nigeria's plan to acquire 50 military aircraft to combat terrorism raises questions about strategic prioritization. While bolstering counter-terrorism capabilities is crucial, the massive investment in air power may divert resources from equally important ground operations. The plan, intent and allocation of funds must be scrutinized to ensure effective utilization of resources. #NigeriaGovt #BAT #MilitaryAircrafts #NigeriaSecurity #CounterTerrorism #Defense https://lnkd.in/eS9ccmMz

Targeted Killings: A Western World Method for Asymmetric Warfare My new article analyzing the evolution and impact of targeted killings in counterterrorism is now available. Drawing on extensive research, it offers insights into the effectiveness and limitations of this controversial tactic. Key findings include: * Targeted killings can have short-term disruptive effects on terrorist groups, but their long-term strategic value is debated. * The tactic appears most effective when used selectively as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy. * Technological advancements, particularly in drone warfare, have revolutionized targeted killing capabilities. * Nearly 100 countries now possess military drone technology, raising concerns about proliferation. * Crucially, as an isolated tactic, targeted killings have limited long-term impact on veteran terrorist organizations. The article concludes that while tactically effective, targeted killings must be integrated into a comprehensive approach that includes diplomatic, economic, and social measures to address the root causes of extremism. Read the full analysis on the RiskMind website [Link in the first comment]. Hebrew version available upon request. #CounterTerrorism #TargetedKillings #NationalSecurity #StrategicAnalysis #DroneWarfare

A lot can happen in 40 years, that’s why we’re covering major events since our creation in 1984.   Today we highlight the 2000s and 2010s. #CSIS40   2000s   The 9/11 terrorist attacks change the global and national security landscape. Parliament passes the Anti-Terrorism Act to counter terrorist threat actors.   CSIS provides intelligence and support during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.   2004: The Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) is established and housed within CSIS NHQ. https://lnkd.in/e9jc5Q_3   2006: A counterterrorism investigation supports in the arrest of individuals plotting a large-scale terrorist attack in various locations across Southern Ontario. The individuals later become known as the “Toronto 18.”   2010s   2013: A counterterrorism investigation supports in the arrest of individuals plotting a terrorist attack on a passenger rail route in Southern Ontario. The event becomes known as the “Via Rail plot.”   2015: The CSIS Act is amended, giving CSIS the ability in certain circumstances to apply threat reduction measures to counter threats.   2019: An Act Respecting National Security Matters is passed, providing legislative amendments to the CSIS Act in a manner that respects and upholds Charter-protected rights.

Targeted Killings: A Western World Method for Asymmetric Warfare Our new article analyzing the evolution and impact of targeted killings in counterterrorism is now available. Drawing on extensive research, it offers insights into the effectiveness and limitations of this controversial tactic. Key findings include: * Targeted killings can have short-term disruptive effects on terrorist groups, but their long-term strategic value is debated. * The tactic appears most effective when used selectively as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy. * Technological advancements, particularly in drone warfare, have revolutionized targeted killing capabilities. * Nearly 100 countries now possess military drone technology, raising concerns about proliferation. * Crucially, as an isolated tactic, targeted killings have limited long-term impact on veteran terrorist organizations. The article concludes that while tactically effective, targeted killings must be integrated into a comprehensive approach that includes diplomatic, economic, and social measures to address the root causes of extremism. Read the full analysis on the RiskMind website [Link in the first comment]. Hebrew version available upon request. #CounterTerrorism hashtag #TargetedKillings hashtag #NationalSecurity hashtag #StrategicAnalysis hashtag #DroneWarfare

⚡ The Turkish Armed Forces' counter-terrorism operations are carried out to ensure national security and eliminate the terrorist threat. The scope of these operations, strategy…

The Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Brett Holmgren, posted a reflection on the 20th anniversary of NCTC -- "Twenty years later, the National Counterterrorism Center confronts new phase of terrorism." https://lnkd.in/e_4ET2ZP. In that piece, he says: "The broad spectrum of today’s threat actors illustrates the changing face of terrorism, which includes not only al-Qa'ida’s remaining network and a reenergized ISIS, but also Iranian-sponsored groups, racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, anti-government or anti-authority violent extremists, and homegrown violent extremists who are self-radicalized and inspired to act without direction from a group abroad." Among the ways in which the government is adapting and responding to this ever-changing terrorist threat environment, he lists "exploring how to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify new intelligence leads." Bad actors are, as we know, leveraging those same technologies to find new ways to carry out their goals at the expense of our national security. It's important for the government to use the latest technology in our defense, but such use creates its own set of serious challenges and risks. How can agencies benefit from technology's promise without undermining our values? I wrote about this conundrum over ten years ago when I was the Civil Liberties Protection Officer for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence -- "Choosing Both: Making Technology Choices at the Intersection of Privacy and Security." https://lnkd.in/eiGxJ2-U. The tech has changed, but the questions are eternal. In essence, we must find a way for intelligence agencies to use the latest technologies to keep the country safe, while at the same time putting in place protections for privacy and civil liberties. It's not one or the other. We must "choose both." One more observation - In the NCTC post, I found embedded this video, https://lnkd.in/eV_3X_ZB, which features actual intelligence officers (I recognize several of them!) rather than stock footage. It's great to see the IC continue to lean into transparency, and I hope that continues, to include more specifics on the nature of the terrorist threat and the ways in which the government is using technology to respond. P.S. I had to delete the original version of this post and repost this version in order to change the preview image below.

Targeted Killings: A Western World Method for Asymmetric Warfare Our new article analyzing the evolution and impact of targeted killings in counterterrorism is now available. Drawing on extensive research, it offers insights into the effectiveness and limitations of this controversial tactic. Key findings include: * Targeted killings can have short-term disruptive effects on terrorist groups, but their long-term strategic value is debated. * The tactic appears most effective when used selectively as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy. * Technological advancements, particularly in drone warfare, have revolutionized targeted killing capabilities. * Nearly 100 countries now possess military drone technology, raising concerns about proliferation. * Crucially, as an isolated tactic, targeted killings have limited long-term impact on veteran terrorist organizations. The article concludes that while tactically effective, targeted killings must be integrated into a comprehensive approach that includes diplomatic, economic, and social measures to address the root causes of extremism. Read the full analysis on the RiskMind website [Link in the first comment]. Hebrew version available upon request. #CounterTerrorism #TargetedKillings #NationalSecurity #StrategicAnalysis #DroneWarfare

🔊 IMPORTANT UPDATE: ICT24 Shabtai Shavit World Summit on Counter-Terrorism The past few weeks have brought significant challenges with the security escalation in Israel and around its borders, reminding us of the ever-present threat of terrorism. As we mark a year since the devastating events of October 7th, with 101 hostages still held captive in Gaza by the terror organization Hamas, the significance of counter-terrorism efforts has never been more evident. Despite these difficult times, the commitment to combating terrorism remains stronger than ever. This year’s ICT24 Shabtai Shavit World Summit on Counter-Terrorism truly embodies ‘Counter-terrorism Under Fire,’ moving forward in full compliance with Home Front Command guidelines. Global experts will come together to address these urgent issues, with the event broadcast live on the ICT and Reichman University websites for registered participants. For more information, the full program, and registration, visit: https://lnkd.in/dXnRKbpy.

Victims of tragedy? Recalling India's Counterterrorism strategy. India's counterterrorism strategy in 2024 reflects a comprehensive approach that integrates international cooperation, technological advancements, and regional security measures. These strategy's focus on information sharing, capacity building, and law enforcement partnerships as crucial in combating terrorism. The recent attack in Reasi, located in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The shift in terrorist activities from the Kashmir Valley to Jammu, possibly due to the abrogation of Article 370, presents new challenges. The use of drones and the complex terrain for infiltration are indicative of the evolving nature of terrorist tactics. While India has made significant strides in reducing terrorist activities, the Reasi attack underscores the need for continued vigilance and adaptation of counterterrorism strategies. The government's efforts in Jammu and Kashmir have shown a decrease in terrorist victims, suggesting effectiveness in certain aspects of the strategy. However, the recent attacks highlight the need for ongoing efforts to secure the region and protect civilians from such heinous acts. It is imperative that India continues to strengthen its counterterrorism framework, ensuring it remains responsive to the changing dynamics of terrorism. This includes not only security measures but also addressing the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization and violence. The collaboration with international partners should be maintained and expanded to leverage global expertise and resources in the fight against terrorism.

The role of a country's intelligence & counter-terrorism agencies are to effectively prevent & tackle the threat of terrorism. Intelligence agencies are involved with the collection & analysis of information. Data collected from multiple internal & external sources are evaluated by expert intelligence analysts. This process of intelligence collection & analysis is at the heart of counter-terrorist intelligence. The outcome of high-quality intelligence work can range from the construction of profiles of terrorist organisations to tracking the movements of terrorists. An optimal outcome of counter-terrorist intelligence is the ability to anticipate the behaviour of terrorists & to predict terrorist incidents. Intelligence perform 3 functions that contribute to counter-terrorism. Firstly, intelligence can provide a more strategic sense of terrorist threats by asking the following questions: are they increasing or decreasing? which groups or states pose the greatest dangers? which areas of operation are of most concern? Such strategic appraisals help to guide policy-making in all aspects of counter-terrorism. Secondly, intelligence can provide detailed support to other counterterrorism tools, such as identifying & locating terrorists’ financial assets. Thirdly, intelligence can gain access to & analyse information on terrorist organizations & infrastructures, enabling them to be disrupted. Intelligence service themselves may not accomplish the actual disruption, but the information they provide enables police &/or internal security services to conduct raids & arrest suspects.