A THREAT ASSESSMENT OF BIOTERRORISM FROM AL-QAIDA TO ISLAMIC STATE

Muhammad Sheraz,Zarfishan Qaiser,Usman Hameed

doi:10.52567/pjsr.v3i3.239

Abstract

The paper will focus on explaining the nature, extent and evolution of terrorism through the role of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and nuclear weapons (CBRN) such as Bio-Chemical Weapons (BCWs). It will further discuss the role of religious terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS/Deash in re-defining terrorism in contemporary era by acquiring BCWs. Moreover, it will underscore the lethality and level of threat posed by BCW’s when employed by the non-state actors. Additionally, it will highlight various motivating factors including political, religious, and psychological which can act as a driving force for the terrorists and non-state actors to use BCWs. Lastly, it will suggest that a change in the means and methods of terrorism predominantly comprising of BCWs as a weapon of choice for the terrorists is on the cards and it is likely remaining the feature of international politics in the days and years to come if the international treaty regime on BCWS does not adequately address the phenomenon of non-state actors. Keywords: Terrorist Organizations, Bio-Chemical Weapons, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Rational Actors, Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, Chemical Weapon Convention, CBRN.

Highlights

In the late 90’s, the possible acquisition and use of biochemical weapons by the terrorist organizations became a center of attention at the political level and in the media
It is believed that in future, there might be an increase in the use of Bio-Chemical Weapons (BCWs) or WMD
The nature extent of the threat of BCWs shall be irregular and erratic because motivation varies amongst different terrorist groups

Summary

Introduction

In the late 90’s, the possible acquisition and use of biochemical weapons by the terrorist organizations became a center of attention at the political level and in the media. Many terrorist groups in the recent history have tried to use weapons of mass destruction to fulfill their objectives. Apart from its political implications for the world security, it offered a seminal moment for the terrorist organizations, functioning as a benchmark for the future terrorist attacks (Kelle, 2003). Acquisitions or means of acquiring weapons of mass destruction including biochemical and nuclear weapons is something that could be on the agenda of terrorist organizations. The 9/11 terrorist attacks have shown that the terrorist organizations are willing to go to any extent in order to make themselves relevant at the international level

Objectives

Conclusion