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International or Transnational. Often describing the support and operational reach of a group, these terms are often loosely defined, and can be applied to widely different capabilities. International groups typically operate in multiple countries, but retain a geographic focus for their activities. Hezbollah has cells worldwide, and has conducted operations in multiple countries, but is primarily concerned with events in Lebanon and Israel. Transnational groups operate internationally, but are not tied to a particular country, or even region. Al Qaeda is transnational; being made up of many nationalities, having been based out of multiple countries simultaneously, and conducting operations throughout the world. Their objectives affect dozens of countries with differing political systems, religions, ethnic compositions, and national interests
3.2 Types of Terrorist Attacks
135 Attacks/Assassinations
Armed attacks include raids and ambushes. Assassinations are the killing of a selected victim, usually by bombings or small arms. Drive-by shootings is a common technique employed by unsophisticated or loosely organized terrorist groups. Historically, terrorists have assassinated specific individuals for psychological effect.
Arsons
Incendiary devices are cheap and easy to hide. Arson and fire bombings are easily conducted by terrorist groups that may not be as well-organized, equipped, or trained as a major terrorist organization. An arson or firebombing against a utility, hotel, government building, or industrial center portrays an image that the ruling government is incapable of maintaining order, thereby trying to discredit and undermine the government in power. . Hijackings
Hijacking is the seizure by force of a surface vehicle, its passengers, and/or its cargo.
Skyjacking is the taking of an aircraft, which creates a mobile, hostage barricade situation. It provides terrorists with hostages from many nations and draws heavy media attention. Skyjacking also provides mobility for the terrorists to relocate the aircraft to a country that supports their cause and provides them with a human shield, making retaliation difficult. This was the mode employed in September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, when three flights were hijacked and later used to bomb some selected targets within the U.S., causing the highest human casualties ever recorded.
In addition to the acts of violence discussed above, there are also numerous other types of violence that can exist under the framework of terrorism. Terrorist groups conduct maimings against their own people as a form of punishment for security violations, defections, or informing. Terrorist organizations also conduct robberies and extortion when they need to finance their acts and they don’t have sponsorship from sympathetic nations. Cyber-terrorism is a new form of terrorism that is only going to increase in profile as we rely on computer networks to relay information and provide connectivity to today’s modern and fast-paced world. Cyber-terrorism allows terrorists to conduct their operations with little or no risk to themselves. It also provides terrorists an opportunity to disrupt or destroy networks and computers. The result is interruption of key government or business-related activities. This type of terrorism isn’t as high profile as other types of terrorist attacks, but its impact could be very destructive and destabilizing.
136 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
Identify some major contemporary terrorist groups and their mode of operations
4.0. CONCLUSION
Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations to further their objectives. It has been practiced by right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments. An abiding characteristic is the indiscriminate use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual. The symbolism of terrorism can leverage human fear to help achieve these goals.
Historically, terrorist attacks using nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons have been rare. Due the extremely high number of casualties that NBC weapons produce, they are also referred to as weapons of mass destruction (WMD. The increased development of WMD also increases the potential for terrorist groups to gain access to WMD. It is believed that in the future terrorists will have greater access to WMD because unstable nations or states may fail to safeguard their stockpiles of WMD from accidental losses, illicit sales, or outright theft or seizure. Determined terrorist groups can also gain access to WMD through covert independent research efforts or by hiring technically skilled professionals to construct the WMD.
5.0 SUMMARY
The Unit has provided some categories and examples of contemporary terror organizations and the mode of their operations, like kidnapping, arson, bombing, armed attacks and cyber-terrorism. The possibility of determined terror groups using weapons of mass destruction raises the stake higher for the contemporary war against terrorism.
However, the underlying provocative factors driving people into extremism should be the fundamental starting point for addressing the scourge of terror groups.
6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT
Categorise contemporary terror organisations into five distinct groups and provide relevant examples of each category.
137 7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS
Chaliand, Gerard (2007) The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda.
Berkeley: University of California Press
Crenshaw, Martha (2007) “Terrorism and Global Security,” in Leashing the Dogs of War: Conflict Management in a Divided World, edited by Chester Crocker, Fen Hampson, and Pamela (Washington: United States Institute of Peace Press, 2007).
Diaz-Paniagua (2008) Negotiating Terrorism: The Negotiation Dynamics of Four UN Counter-Terrorism Treaties 1997-2005
Goldstein, D. (2007). Week 3: Religion and Modern Terrorism. Retrieved March 27, 2007, from Boston University, Vista Web site: http://vista.bu.edu/webct/
Hoffman, Bruce (1998) Review of Inside Terrorism (New York Times)
Hoffman, Bruce (2006) Inside Terrorism, Second Edition (Columbia University Press) Krugman, C (2004) “The Costs of Terrorism: What Do We Know?" Paper Presented at Princeton University in December, 2004)
Rogers Paul (2009) Global Security After the War on Terror (London: Oxford Research Group)
UN General Assembly (1994) ‘United Nations Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism annex to UN General Assembly resolution 49/60 ,"Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism," of December 9, 1994, UN Doc. A/Res/60/49
White, J.R. (2006). Terrorism and Homeland Security (5th ed). Belmont, CA: Thompson Wadsworth
Zalman Amy (2013) A Review of the Economic Impact of Terrorism of September 11,2001 ( about.com )
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