Terrorist Activities Research Articles

Bribes and Bombs: The Effect of Corruption on Terrorism

We leverage plausibly exogenous variation in regional exposure to corruption to provide causal estimates of the impact of local political corruption on terrorist activity for a sample of 175 countries between 1970 and 2018. We find that higher levels of corruption lead to more terrorism. This result is robust to a variety of empirical modifications, including various ways in which we probe the validity of our instrumental variables approach. We also show that corruption adversely affects the provision of public goods and undermines counter-terrorism capacity. Thus, our empirical findings are consistent with predictions from a game-theoretical representation of terrorism, according to which corruption makes terrorism relatively more attractive compared to peaceful contestation, while also decreasing the costs of organizing and carrying out terrorist attacks.

Blast protection of underwater tunnels with 3D auxetic materials

Abstract In recent years, the risk of blast attacks on underwater tunnels, important transportation routes, has increased due to the growing prevalence of vicious regional conflicts and global terrorist activities. In this work, we investigate the blast impact behavior of underwater tunnels filled with honeycomb core and covered by solid panels. The core is composed of 3D auxetic materials with high energy absorption compared to conventional honeycombs. In order to improve the stiffness of the auxetic structures, a pair of crossed rods is introduce to each cell. The relative densities of 3D auxetic structures are derived theoretically. The coupling effects of the geometrical parameters on the relative density are investigated. Then the deformation patterns of the underwater tunnels at different blast heights are analyzed. The kinetic energy and absorbed energy are discussed for tunnels with 3D auxetic materials and solid materials. Results show that tunnels composed with 3D reinforced auxetic structures can absorb much more energy than solid ones. Moreover, localized damage is observed which means greater chance of survival and smaller repairs after extreme impact. Finally, a stiffness-improved 3D reinforced auxetic structure is presented to enhance the tunnel’s strength and stability further.

Design and implementation of a looking-forward Lawful Interception architecture for future mobile communication systems

Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) heavily rely on Lawful Interception (LI) tools to investigate criminal and terrorist activities. The growing frequency of cybercrime, terrorism-related offenses, and illegal trades in the European Union (EU) has driven LEAs to explore novel LI techniques that align with the developing 5G and Beyond 5G network architectures. Moreover, the emergence of extremely dynamic and distributed networks, the increased usage of end-to-end encryption applications, and privacy protections present limitations for traditional LI approaches. In order to provide a technological solution capable of extending the 3GPP LI standard, this paper presents a novel LI framework designed on top of the standardized 3GPP LI architecture, leveraging an inspection-friendly end-to-end cryptography mechanism (e.g., a Key Escrow algorithm) at the application layer. Moreover, the proposed Lawful Interception (LI) framework enables authorized LEAs to decrypt intercepted end-to-end encrypted data within the core network. Firstly, a security proof validates the security of the proposed LI framework under two attack scenarios. Subsequently, a proof-of-concept workstation implementation that emulates a 5G network for end-to-end data exchange and cloud-based deployment validates the suggested LI framework by affirming the LEA capabilities in decrypting intercepted data. Additionally, the system performance has been studied through experimental tests, ensuring the scalability of the conceived solution and revealing the possibility of intercepting data with mainly real-time latency without affecting the Quality of Service (QoS) experienced by the user.

Stacking Ensemble Learning with Regression Models for Predicting Damage from Terrorist Attacks

Terrorist attacks can cause unexpectedly enormous damage to lives and property. To prevent and mitigate damage from terrorist activities, governments and related organizations must have suitable measures and efficient tools to cope with terrorist attacks. This work proposed a new method based on stacking ensemble learning and regression for predicting damage from terrorist attacks. First, two-layer stacking classifiers were developed and used to indicate if a terrorist attack can cause deaths, injuries, and property damage. For fatal and injury attacks, regression models were utilized to forecast the number of deaths and injuries, respectively. Consequently, the proposed method can efficiently classify casualty terrorist attacks with an average area under precision-recall curves (AUPR) of 0.958. Furthermore, the stacking model can predict property damage attacks with an average AUPR of 0.910. In comparison with existing methods, the proposed method precisely estimates the number of fatalities and injuries with the lowest mean absolute errors of 1.22 and 2.32 for fatal and injury attacks, respectively. According to the superior performance shown, the stacking ensemble models with regression can be utilized as an efficient tool to support emergency prevention and management of terrorist attacks.

COACHING EFFORTS FOR TERRORISM PRISONERS IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF INDONESIAN POSITIVE LAW

The crime of terrorism is a serious crime that requires special guidance methods in handling it. Efforts to handle terrorism cases in Indonesia are carried out through special approaches, namely a hard and a soft approaches. Deradicalization is an action that seeks to develop the mentality of national and religious ideology. This research is empirical legal research that examines Law Number 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism. The research method applied is descriptive, which aims to describe the actual situation. This data is then analyzed using a quantitative approach, which means the data is analyzed selectively and described before finding a solution to the problem. This data was analyzed to determine the effects of implementing guidance according to Law Number 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism. Efforts to deal with Based on the evidence, it can be concluded that those who commit terrorist crimes in Indonesia are generally quite good. The obtained data shows that former prisoners in terrorism cases in Indonesia have returned to be good citizens. Although Indonesia is making good efforts to combat terrorism, much more needs to be improved. The government, law enforcement agencies and society have to work together in fighting terrorism and avoiding cases of terrorism in the future.

Typology of Terrorist Profiling Using Centrality Metrics: Hinge Figures, Influential Operatives and Trusted Assets

ABSTRACT The increase in terrorist activity worldwide has prompted the development of research tools and methodologies to study the phenomenon of terrorism. Among them, social network analysis (SNA) has found its way into the security studies discipline, which, despite its still timid presence, has increasingly been proven to be a useful tool for detecting underlying structures and key actors. This article seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge on the uses of SNA in the study of covert networks by testing the usefulness of metrics such as betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector centrality in identifying terrorist roles and functions in the cells that were behind the major terrorist attacks orchestrated by the Islamic State’s external operations apparatus. The study ends with the proposal of a new typology of terrorist profiling according to the results obtained from centrality measures: hinge figures, influential operatives and trusted assets.

Being in-between “to return or to stay”: exploring the experiences of urban displaced people in Mozambique’s Pemba

The province of Cabo Delgado, located in the north of Mozambique, has been inflicted by the conflict and terrorist actions since 2017. The threats they pose, and the unfolding fragility of the security situation have forced over 1.4 million people to flee their homes and communities. While thousands of displaced people are reluctant to risk their lives and return, over five hundred thousand displaced people made their spontaneous way back “home,” and the country continues to struggle with such a reality. In the face of violent disruption and displacement, this paper offers an exploratory review of return from the perspective of encountering and giving meaning to places. Leaving culture (reflexivity again) a bit out, the paper closely looks at the (social and economic) experiences people have developed and carried with them through their displacement (and return) narratives as the main factors influencing the decision to or not to return. This article would then have a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it contributes to the existing debate on conflict, displacement, place and place-making. On the other hand, it would be beneficial to enrich the ongoing research further.

Requisites of Deradicalisation: Study on the De-Ideologisation of Indonesian Ex-Terrorists

Studies on terrorism in Indonesia heavily emphasize a security-first approach, which has had profound implications for counter-terrorism strategies, policies, and terrorist imprisonment. This approach, however, fails to properly grasp the internal “deep experience” of terrorists. There are currently 289 terrorist convicts serving their prison sentences in 113 Correctional Institutions throughout Indonesia. Until 2017, over 60 convicted terrorists have been documented for recidivist behaviour and repeating their crimes. This phenomenon raises the question of the possibility of de-ideologization of terrorists in incarceration and if Indonesia’s criminal justice system is truly effective in deradicalizing terrorists. Our study explores this question by interviewing three different groups: ex-terrorists who have served their prison sentence, terrorists who were still incarcerated in prison, and former sympathizers of ISIS who had been deported back from Syria to Indonesia. We explored the social elements and actors that constituted their radical view, their experiences in prison, and the factors that had led them to abandon terrorist activities or disavow their support for ISIS. We conclude that social-legal policies aiming to effectively reduce the ideological reproduction of terrorism cannot be carried out using a heavy-handed security approach, but sociological insights are required to grasp the allure and kernel of truth behind terrorist acts.

Visual detection and discrimination of nerve and blood agents using a dual-site fluorescent probe in living cells and mice

Of all chemical warfare agents (CWAs), only nerve and blood agents cause massive mortality at low concentrations. To better detect and discriminate nerve and blood agents, a reliable detection method is desirable. We report a series of fluorescent probes for nerve and blood agent detection. Among the tested probes, SR-Pip detected nerve and blood agents quickly (within 10 s for nerve agents and 1 min for blood agents). SR-Pip coupled with nerve agent produced a weak orange fluorescence with good sensitivity [limit of detection (LOD)= 5.5 μM]. Upon reaction with blood agent, the fluorescence of SR-Pip changed from orange fluorescence to blue fluorescence with detection limits as low as 9.6 nM. This probe effectively visualised different concentrations of nerve agents in living cells and mice. A portable test kit using SR-Pip instantly detected nerve and blood agents. To the best of our knowledge, SR-Pip is the first fluorescent probe for nerve and blood agent detection.

Rethinking Insecurity and Scoping Security Threat in Nigeria: Looking Ahead

Early in the 2000s, Boko Haram emerged with an Islamisation agenda concentrating mostly on Nigeria the largest African economy. There is empirical evidence suggesting that the government of Nigeria has not successfully warded off this group’s hostility. Yet there are gaps in security threats and extant literature. This study therefore examined the instability and anomic conditions resulting from this insurgency using the document analysis method and the Containment Theory employed as the theoretical framework. The analysis showed that there is no clear reason why the Nigerian military has failed to contain the Boko Haram insurgency given the army’s undoubted gallantry after excelling in several international peacekeeping assignments. It was recommended that public programs for enlightenment through community engagement and transparency would influence positively the government’s efforts to contain these terrorist activities. Given the complex nature of terrorism, there is a need for robust empirical studies that have to be done before any meaningful policy implementation can be considered. This study will amplify the international awareness of violent extremist activities in this most populated African nation. It will significantly provide the Nigerian government, human rights groups, researchers, civil society, policymakers, and public and private security agents with more knowledge to understand these terrorists better. Keywords: Nigeria, Threat, Peace, Security, Boko Haram

Evaluate The Role of The Community in Intelligence Gathering on Local Terrorism Activities

Terrorism poses a significant national security threat in Indonesia, exacerbated by the clandestine nature of terrorist networks within society. Harnessing community involvement is pivotal in combating terrorism effectively. This study evaluates the community's role in intelligence gathering pertaining to local terrorist activities. Utilizing qualitative research methods, particularly literature review, the study analyzes data through three key stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. Findings underscore the indispensable contribution of communities in gathering local terrorism intelligence. Unlike conventional channels, communities offer unique insights into terrorist activities inaccessible to law enforcement agencies. However, leveraging community involvement faces challenges and limitations. These include the need for heightened education and training initiatives to enhance community awareness about terrorism. Additionally, fostering trust between communities and law enforcement entities emerges as a critical endeavor. Furthermore, ensuring the safety and protection of individuals reporting terrorism-related information remains imperative for sustained community participation in intelligence-gathering efforts.

Links between terrorism financing and organised crime in Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to assess terrorism activities to identify measures required to mitigate the rise of terrorism activities and their metamorphosis into organised criminal activity through the prevention, disruption and dismantling of sources of financing terrorism. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was adopted for this study using descriptive synthesis from recent publications and reports of reputable organisations, i.e. relevant grey literature, key informant interview and a focus group discussion. This triangulation approach was used to cross-validate the findings. Findings The findings revealed that terrorism financing is most likely linked to organised crime for generating revenues and is further used to finance the activities of terrorists. Practical implications Terrorists operate from places with little or no presence of governance and, better still, ungovernable spaces for carrying out legitimate businesses, raising internally generated revenues from protection fees, ransoms and taxes. This space further allows domestic collaboration with local criminal gangs to exploit natural mineral resources. If the market for these resources is across borders, international or transnational criminal groups collaborate with terrorists to move the goods and assist with financial services for the generated proceeds. Originality/value This study assessed the emerging links between terrorism financing and organised crime in Nigeria.

The health, safety, wellbeing and discrimination: Is there a place for young people to work in digital forensics?

Digital forensic investigators (DFI) are involved in examining computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices containing images and text related to child abuse, violence, terrorist activities and other distressing activities. Identifying, classifying and preparing evidence for courts is time-consuming and may delay cases coming to court. Police forces are under pressure to reduce a backlog of electronic devices requiring investigation (Forensic Capability Network, 2023) and the need to recruit more skilled DFIs. In response to the shortage in DFIs, the national police Forensic Capability Network (FCN) is developing digital forensic apprenticeships for young people based on a College of Policing (2023) role profile aimed at people aged 18 and over. Concerns were raised with the FCN on the potential harm that could be caused to young forensic investigators employed in a role that exposes them to distressing images. This paper describes the examination of evidence from neurobiology and psychological surveillance to provide advice to the FCN on the organisational duty of care to DFI apprentices under Health & Safety and Discrimination & Equality legislation.

A Multi-Weapon Detection Using Deep Learning

The escalating usage of light weapons in criminal and terrorist activities has necessitated the development of advanced weapon detection systems. This study centers on the application of the high-speed deep learning detection model, You Only Look Once version 7 (YOLOv7), to address the need for efficient and swift threat identification. The proposed system, trained on a self-curated dataset rich in images of various dangerous light weapons, is designed to recognize and distinguish multiple weapons simultaneously. The unique value of YOLOv7 in object and specifically weapon detection lies in its outstanding speed and accuracy, as demonstrated by certain weapon categories achieving a mean average precision (mAP) of 97%. The system’s performance can potentially be further enhanced by augmenting the image dataset for each weapon category. This study, therefore, not only validates the critical importance of YOLOv7 in advancing detection methodologies but also presents a practical solution for bolstering public safety.

BNPT's Position as The Leading Sector for Eradicating Criminal Acts of Terrorism Based on Law Number 5 Of 2018

<span lang="EN-AU">After the formation of Law Number 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism, it involved collaboration with several other institutions, such as the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) as the leading sector in eradicating criminal acts of terrorism, the National Army (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (POLRI). ) and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). Aiming at creating a safe and peaceful country, this law is expected to be able to deal with criminal acts of terrorism. However, in reality this law has not been fully implemented optimally in dealing with criminal acts of terrorism in Indonesia. The formulation of the problem in this research is what is the position of BNPT as a leading sector based on Law Number 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism? The method used in this legal research is normative legal research, namely collecting data using secondary data through library research, namely reading from applicable legislation, literature books and documents related to the issues to be discussed. Data processing is based on library data obtained and then analyzed qualitatively. The results of this research are BNPT's position as a leading sector based on Law no. 5 of 2018 has not been optimal in implementing institutional prevention and control efforts to eradicate criminal acts of terrorism. This is because the coordination function between related institutions is currently considered to still be sectoral in handling and eradicating criminal acts of terrorism</span>

Single-benzene-based fluorescent probe for the detection of inhale-toxic triphosgene and its practical applications

Overexposure, or the use of triphosgene, poses a threat to public safety and health due to the chance of accidental release or intentional misuse in terrorist activities. Therefore, developing fluorescence materials for detecting triphosgene in solid, liquid, and vapor states is significant for real-time monitoring of environmental pollutant triphosgene. This work introduces a noble fluorescent molecular probe (SBBF–P-1) utilizing a single-benzene moiety to detect triphosgene. The newly developed triphosgene probe, SBBF–P-1, can rapidly and specifically identify triphosgene (within 1 min). SBBF–P-1 exhibits high selectivity, sensitivity, specificity, photostability, and cell viability, which are pivotal for practical applications in diverse environmental conditions. The practical applications performed involve solid, liquid, and vapor states to validate the capability of SBBF–P-1 as a triphosgene sensing agent. SBBF–P-1 can selectively detect and absorb triphosgene vapor when embedded in paper and cotton materials. Soil tests also performed on SBBF–P-1 reaffirmed its ability to detect and monitor pollutant triphosgene in environmental samples. Overall, this study presents a noble triphosgene-specific fluorescent probe based on a single-benzene head, showcasing the immense potential for widespread utility across various environmental monitoring and safety areas.

Improving healthcare accessibility for pregnant women and children in the context of health system strengthening initiatives and terrorist attacks in Central Mali: a controlled interrupted time series analysis

IntroductionThe Health and Social Development Program of the Mopti Region (PADSS2) project, launched in Mali’s Mopti region, targeted Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The project addressed demand-side barriers by offering an...

Terrorist Activities Detection via Social Media Using Machine Learning

Abstract: Perhaps the richest source of human generated text input is social media. Internet users' opinions, feedback, and criticisms represent their attitudes and feelings towards specific topics and concerns. The sheer volume of such information makes reading it difficult for any group of people. As a result, social media has become a major instrument for propagating their views and influencing or enticing people to join their terrorist actions in general. Social media is the most frequent and straightforward approach to contact a large number of individuals in a short period of time. This research focuses on the construction of a system that can detect terrorism-supporting tweets automatically through real-time analytics using the Apache Spark machine learning framework. The proposed approach is completely reliant on training data and attempts to enhance accuracy

Modeling and Multi-objective Optimal Control of Thedynamics of Counterterrorism in the Sahel Region in Africa

Terrorist activity in the Sahel region has been on the increase for almost a decade. Groups advocating extremist ideologies with a political or religious base are carrying out attacks against states with the aim of imposing a totalitarian ideology, sometimes against a backdrop of political crisis and famine. In this state of crisis and sometimes communal conflict, it is questionable whether ideological terrorism can really be eradicated in the Sahel. In this study, we develop a model of the dynamics of ideological terrorism based on the terrorism situation in the Sahel. In particular, this model incorporates popular resistance to terrorism through the class of volunteers for the defense of the homeland, but we also take into account the indoctrination of certain sections of the population vulnerable to fanatical ideology. We estimate $\mathcal{R}_0$ , the number of elementary replications of extremist behavior, which enables us to predict the evolution of extremism. We also identify four thresholds $\mathcal{R}_1$, $\mathcal{R}_2$, $\mathcal{R}_3$ and $\mathcal{R}_4$ of sufficient conditions for the eradication of ideological terrorism and brigandage. A multi-objective optimal control of a counter-terrorism strategy is also presented. Finally, we perform a numerical simulation of the analysis and control results to test our hypotheses.

Modified powder suspensions for fingermark detection on adhesive tapes in austere or contested environments

ABSTRACT Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes may be associated with a wide range of criminal and terrorist activity as physical evidence. In this study, a carbon powder suspension formulation for the detection of latent fingermarks on the adhesive side of tapes was modified by using consumer products as alternative surfactant sources. The modified formulations were used to successfully develop latent fingermarks deposited on transparent adhesive tape. This project ultimately intends to establish the performance windows of the modified techniques to allow evidence-based decision-making during technical exploitation in contested and austere environments.