Summary of a book chapter - Assignment Example

TERRORIST TRAINING Terrorist Training Terrorism has been one of the major global security threats in the world today. Many of these terror attacks have been linked to Islamic extremist groups with a network all over the world where recruitment, funding and training take place. The willingness of the individuals from different backgrounds to support and perpetuate the terror attacks has raised many concerns over the years about their funding, training and even the end benefits. The attacks of September 11, 2001 in the American world Trade Centre triggered such question as to how these terrorists are trained to be able to pull such an attack. The terrorists undergo various training that are well discussed in this chapter. They include, disguise techniques, clandestine travels, recruitment, communications, handling of weapons- including bombs and explosives, assassination and ambush techniques and even collection of intelligence and counterintelligence methods.
Terrorists go to training camps to acquire particular tactics and gain proficiency in a variety of skills. They are taught how to handle and execute terror plans in target states and nations. Such training is usually of a wider array of tactics than that of the counterterrorism police forces. For example, training on Arson and bombs. Terrorist are taught on how to make and use explosives and incendiary bombs. They are provided with guidelines and instructions on how to operate these explosive devices in training camps. Teachings on the incendiary type of weapons give terrorist insights on how to make simple fire bombs using locally available materials such as bottles and inflammable mixture attached to a fuse. In the latter days though, they are taught how to make plastic bombs from plastique that are sophisticated explosives and not readily detectable by most modern airport security.
These training camps equip terrorists with assassination and ambush techniques usually how to penetrate through security systems and kill at close range. Methods of clandestine approach, disguise and escape are incorporated with handling and use of handguns fitted with silencers. Such kind of training enabled the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. Another training is on how to raise money through extortion and kidnapping for ransom from wealthy families and employers. It is usually a little risk, but high-profit operation.
These terrorists are also trained in recruitment, counterintelligence, and communication. Such training gives them proficiency in acquiring intelligence on target areas and how to disseminate the same to authorities. They are trained to use codes and translate intelligence data bits into a comprehensive information that can then be used by these terrorist to plan their attacks on the target areas.
Training on handling and use of various weapons including, rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons is also conducted in the camps. Special training is offered on the use of machine guns and machine pistols especially those manufactured in the Soviet Union, the U.S, United Kingdom and Israel. They are also furnished with information and training on the use of rocket-propelled grenades, antirocket launchers and use of biological or chemical agents. The use of these agents is usually referred weapons of mass destruction and is being preferred by these terror groups like the Al-Qaida.
In conclusion, most of these terrorists training provide a variety of tactics and supports systems which has enabled them succeed in most of their attacks. With the availability of such information on the training of these terror groups, most nations that are anti-terrorism can use the same to find ways to prevent future attacks and mitigate terrorist threats. Read More