Terrorism is an activity that uses violence, intimidation, and fear to promote a particular cause or ideology. Violent acts are carried out to harm, intimidate, or frighten innocent people. The purpose of terrorism is often to promote a political, religious, or social agenda.
Terrorist groups resort to violent activities such as bombings, assassinations, kidnappings to get their demands met or to attract attention. These acts are usually against governments, societies, or institutions and are carried out to create fear in the public. Terrorism is a serious social and global problem, to deal with which governments and international institutions are taking strict measures.
How terrorism works
Terrorism is a complex process, in which terrorist organizations or groups work under a certain strategy. The functioning of terrorism mainly includes the following steps:
Propagation of ideology
Terrorist organizations support a particular ideology or cause, such as political, religious or social change. They propagate this ideology and motivate their followers.
Recruitment and training
Terrorist organizations attract and organize people who believe in their ideas. Then these new members are specially trained in violence, use of weapons and covert strategies, so that they can carry out terrorist attacks.
Funding
Terrorist groups arrange funds for their operations. For this they resort to illegal activities (such as smuggling, ransom, etc.) or sometimes they get financial assistance from some organizations or individuals.
Planning
Before the attack, terrorist organizations make detailed plans, which include time, place, arrangement of weapons and selection of targets. The plan is made in such a way that maximum damage is caused in the shortest time and widespread attention is attracted.
Communication and secrecy
Terrorist groups have secret communication systems so that they can stay connected with each other and discuss their operations. For this they use special codes, secret networks of the Internet or other technical means.
Attack and propaganda
Attacks are carried out as per the plan, the purpose of which is to spread fear among as many people as possible. After the attacks, they publicize these incidents so that their ideology and demands can come to the fore. Organizations often also take responsibility after the terrorist attack to get attention in the media.
Maintaining permanent fear
Terrorist organizations maintain permanent fear in the society by repeatedly attacking so that people and governments always remain under their influence and pay attention to the demands put forward by them.
In this way, terrorist groups spread terror in the society in an organized way to fulfill their objectives. Their aim is not only to commit violence, but to achieve their objectives by creating instability in the society.
History of terrorism
The history of terrorism is very old and has been seen in different times, places, and contexts. It is difficult to tell the exact time of the beginning of terrorism, but it can be understood through historical events and movements.
### Terrorism in ancient and medieval times
Jewish Sicarii
In the 1st century, a group of Jewish rebels against Rome carried out terrorist activities under the name ‘Sicarii’. These people used to secretly kill their enemies and resort to violence against the Romans.
Assassins
Between the 11th and 13th centuries, an Islamic fundamentalist group called ‘Hashashin’ created an atmosphere of terror by killing its enemies in the Middle East. This group was known for its secret killings.
Rise of terrorism in the modern era (19th and 20th centuries)
Political terrorism The 19th century saw many terrorist activities in Russia and Europe. The assassination of Russian Czar Alexander II in 1881, carried out by Russian revolutionary groups, is considered an example of modern terrorism. The aim of these organizations was to bring about political change.
Anarchist Movement Anarchist movements also resorted to terrorism in the second half of the 19th century. During this period, attacks were made on government officials in Europe and America.
Terrorism in the colonial period
Freedom movement and terrorism Some organizations resorted to violence during the freedom struggle against colonial rule in many countries, including India. In India, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and their comrades took up arms against British rule. Although these actions were seen from a patriotic point of view, the colonial governments considered them terrorist.
International terrorism in the 20th century
After the Second World War After 1945, the form of terrorism started changing. In Israel, Jewish organizations like Irgun and Lehi carried out violent activities against the British administration and Palestine. This was an organized form of terrorism.
Extremism and terrorism in the 1970s and 1980s During this time many organizations increased terrorist activities, such as the IRA in Ireland, the LTTE in Sri Lanka, and the PLO in the Middle East.
21st century and global terrorism
Al Qaeda The 9/11 attack in the US in 2001 gave a new turn to global terrorism. Organizations like Al Qaeda carried out attacks in many countries in the name of jihad.
Islamic State (ISIS) ISIS emerged around 2014, which carried out attacks in many countries with the aim of establishing a Caliphate state.
Terrorism in the present
Today terrorism has become a global problem. In modern terrorism, terrorist organizations are propagating their ideologies and influencing people using the Internet, social media and technological means. Governments, international institutions and security agencies are making continuous efforts to combat terrorism, but the problem still exists in a serious form in many countries.
Thus, the history of terrorism has been driven by ideologies, movements and political objectives. Its methods and goals have changed over time, but its basic purpose has remained to spread fear and instability.
Propaganda of ideology:
Propaganda of ideology is a major part of the functioning of terrorist organizations. Through this process they spread their objectives, beliefs, and principles and try to attract people towards their organization. Propaganda of ideology includes the following main aspects:
Propaganda of principles
Terrorist organizations spread their particular ideology or principle, which is often based on political, religious, or social objectives. They give various arguments and examples to justify it, so that people can agree with their ideas.
Influencing and inspiring
Organizations target people who are socially, economically, or mentally insecure. They convince them that their ideology is the right path and the solution to the problems of their life lies in it. They resort to emotional and religious appeals, which influences people.
Use of propaganda material
Terrorist organizations use books, pamphlets, videos, and other digital materials to spread their ideas. In today’s digital age, social media, websites, and secret chat groups are also used extensively.
Leveraging controversial issues
Terrorist organizations attract people by promoting controversial issues already existing in the society (such as caste, religion, politics). They put forward their views on those issues and make people stand in favor of their ideology.
Promise of dreams and goals
Terrorist organizations promise that by adopting their ideology, people can change their lives or become a part of some big change. Some organizations claim that they will protect religion, while some say that they will establish an ideal state.
Attracting the youth
Terrorist organizations use modern means and new technological tools in their propaganda to target the young generation. They lure the youth to be a part of a courageous and heroic work and make them believe that they are fighting for a big cause.
Inciting discontent
Many times organizations promote discontent, discrimination or injustice existing in the society and convince people that through their organization they can find a solution to these problems.
In this way terrorist organizations use various techniques and means to spread their ideas so that more and more people can join them.
Recruitment and training
Recruitment and training are very important stages for terrorist organizations, because through this process they increase the number of new members for their organization and prepare them for various types of activities. This process takes place in several stages:
1.Identification of target groups
Terrorist organizations first try to identify the people to recruit. Usually they choose people who are economically weak, socially dissatisfied, or influenced by political and religious ideas. Sometimes they target insecure youth, who are frustrated or dissatisfied with a particular cause.
2. Influencing and mentalization
Before recruitment, organizations influence those individuals with their ideology. They make them believe that by joining their organization they will fulfill some great purpose. For this, emotional, religious, or ideological appeals are made and sometimes a promise is also made to solve their problems.
3.Recruitment Process
When individuals are influenced by the ideas of the organization, they are prepared to join the organization. The recruitment process is usually secret so that no one gets to know about it. These individuals are brought in contact with the organization through social media, secret chat groups, or personal contact.
4. Physical and Mental Training
After recruitment, the organization gives physical and mental training to the new members. During this, they are given training to live in difficult situations, fight, and self-defense. Apart from this, they are also mentally prepared for terrorist activities, so that they can face any situation.
5. Weapons Training
People joining terrorist organizations are given training in various types of weapons, such as guns, bombs, explosives, and other lethal equipment. This training is given to them in such a way that they can carry out any type of attack with confidence.
6. Training in covert strategies
Terrorist groups also train their members in covert strategies and communication techniques. They are taught how to send secret messages, how to plan an attack, and how to evade the eyes of the police or security forces.
7.Goal setting and surrender mindset
Trained terrorists are given the mindset that the purpose of their work is to fulfill a bigger purpose, for which they should be ready to sacrifice their lives. Some organizations also train suicide bombers, whose ultimate goal is to promote the cause of the organization by sacrificing their lives.
8. Preparation for the future
At the end of the recruitment and training process, new terrorists are prepared to join future operations. They are told about their tasks and responsibilities and are also taught how to work by hiding their identity.
Thus, recruitment and training is an important part of terrorist organizations, which helps in carrying out their operations effectively. This entire process is done in a very organized and confidential manner so that the identity of the organization members remains protected and there is no hindrance in achieving their objectives.
Funding
Funding is extremely important for terrorist organizations as they require constant funding to fulfill their objectives and keep the organization active. Terrorist organizations have many sources and methods of funding, which they use to run their activities smoothly. Here are some of the major sources and methods:
1.Illegal Activities
Terrorist organizations do many illegal activities for their funding, such as
Smuggling Smuggling of drugs, weapons, and other banned items gives them a large amount of money.
Ransom and Kidnapping These organizations resort to activities like kidnapping and ransom. Kidnapping rich individuals and extorting large amounts of ransom is a major method of terrorist funding.
Theft and Loot Terrorist groups often carry out incidents like loot and theft so that they can raise the required funds.
2. Donations and Funding
Sometimes organizations also raise money in the name of donations and funding. For this, they use funding sources related to religious, social service, or other beliefs.
Some organizations receive donations from people by resorting to religion and faith. Supporters of these organizations donate money voluntarily, because they feel that they are cooperating for a good cause.
3. Aid Organizations and NGOs
Terrorist organizations sometimes disguise their real purpose as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They receive financial help in the name of social service, education, or disaster relief and use that money for their activities.
4.International Support
Some terrorist groups get support from particular countries or secret international organizations. This support is usually based on their political and strategic objectives.
Secret agencies of some countries also provide financial assistance to terrorist organizations so that they can spread instability in their enemy countries.
5. Social media and online platforms
In the age of internet and social media, terrorist organizations also receive funding through online platforms. They appeal to people for donations through social media and collect funds using various digital wallets.
6. Business activities
Some terrorist organizations also run legal businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, transport, and real estate, from which they get income. They use the profit of these businesses in the activities of their organization.
7. Hawala and currency transportation
Terrorist organizations transact money through hawala and other non-traditional means instead of the traditional banking system. Hawala is a type of informal currency transfer system, which they use for funding internationally.
8. Allies and Supporters
The supporters and associates of terrorist organizations also help them financially. These supporters provide funds to the organization in a personal or secret way so that the organization can carry out its operations.
Conclusion
Terrorist organizations have many secret and illegal sources of funding through which they conduct their activities. Controlling and tracing these financial sources is a challenging task for governments and security agencies. It is extremely important to curb the funding of these organizations to end terrorism.
Communication and secrecy
Terrorist organizations use several methods and techniques to maintain communication and secrecy. They try to keep their activities and plans confidential so that they can evade security agencies. Some of the main methods they use are:
- Encrypted communication
Terrorist organizations use encrypted communication platforms, such as **Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp**. These platforms have end-to-end encryption, which means that only the people involved in the communication can see the message. This makes it difficult for security agencies to read those messages.
- Code words and sign language
Terrorist organizations use code words and sign language. These codes are such that only the members of the organization can understand them, while it is difficult for outsiders to understand their meaning. For example, they address a place or time with a code name.
3. Use of Dark Web
Many terrorist organizations use the dark web as it is difficult to track communications. Here they can work anonymously to discuss plans, receive funds and transact materials.
4. SIM Cards and Burner Phones
Terrorists use burner phones or one-time use SIM cards to temporarily establish contacts. Once the job is done, they destroy these SIM cards or phones so that security agencies cannot track them.
5. Use of VPN and Proxy
They use VPN and proxy servers to hide their identity on the Internet. This keeps their location and identity secure, making it difficult to track their online activities.
6. Limited use of contacts and communication channels in small groups
Many organizations are divided into small cells (active groups) which communicate only among themselves. This makes it difficult to access the rest of the network if one group is caught.
7. Use of pseudonyms and fake identities
They often resort to pseudonyms and fake identities so that their real names and identities are not revealed. In this way, even if any of their messages are intercepted, it is difficult to trace their real identities.
By using such methods, terrorist organizations try to hide their activities and try to evade security agencies. Understanding and breaking these methods always remains a challenge for the security agencies.
Carrying out a terrorist attack
In the process of carrying out a terrorist attack, terrorist organizations follow a well-planned strategy, which includes several stages. These stages include planning, preparation, and attacking. Let’s understand this in detail:
1. Determining the purpose and type of attack
First of all, terrorist organizations decide the purpose and type of their attack. These objectives can be political, religious, or ideological, such as damaging an important building, creating an atmosphere of fear among people, or targeting a specific person or group.
2. Selecting and reconnaissance of the place
The place of attack is carefully selected so that maximum damage can be caused to people or resources. After this, the terrorists **reconnaissance** the place, which means that they inspect the place, understand the security arrangements and select the right time for the attack.
3. Arrangement of resources and weapons
Arrangements of weapons and equipment required for the terrorist attack are made. This includes guns, explosives, vehicles, communication equipment, fake documents and other materials. Some organizations have their own stock of weapons, while others buy them secretly.
4.Forming a team and assigning roles
A team is formed to carry out the attack in which each member is given a specific role. For example, someone will start the attack, someone will deal with the security personnel, someone will make a secret film of the attack to spread panic.
5. Selecting the time and date
The time and date for the attack is chosen when it will have the most impact. Terrorist organizations often attack during crowded times or a special event so that maximum people can be harmed and more media attention can be obtained.
6. Carrying out the attack
At the scheduled time, the members of the terrorist organization carry out their attack. They attack in a planned manner through explosions, firing, suicide attacks or other methods. During this, their main objective is to spread panic and hurt as many people as possible.
7. Escape plan
After the attack, the members of the terrorist organization often also plan a well-planned escape to escape from the security agencies. In some cases, the attackers are suicide bombers who attack by sacrificing their lives, while in some cases they go to safe places prepared in advance.
8. Publicitying the impact of the attack
After carrying out the attack, terrorist organizations publicize it so that the impact of their activities is seen around the world and their name comes in the headlines. For this, they use videos, social media and other means so that the horror and panic of the attack can reach as many people as possible.
In this way, a long and complex process is followed to carry out a terrorist attack, which includes many stages. Terrorist organizations maintain secrecy and caution at every stage of this process so that their plan can be successful and they can achieve their goals.
Spreading propaganda and fear
Spreading propaganda and fear is a major strategy of terrorist organizations. It helps them to fulfill their objectives, as they want to create instability and fear among people by creating an atmosphere of terror in the society. For this, they use various techniques and means, such as media, social media, and propaganda material. Let’s understand this in detail:
1. Use of social media
In today’s digital age, social media has become a major medium of propaganda for terrorist organizations. They use platforms like **Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram** to spread their attacks, ideology, and objectives. On this, they share videos, messages, and photos to create fear in people and their message can reach as many people as possible.
2. Taking advantage of media coverage
After a terrorist attack, they know that the media will show its news prominently. Therefore, they carry out such attacks that attract the attention of a large number of people. The news and visuals broadcast in the media create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the general public, which terrorist organizations take advantage of.
3. Making videos and photos of incidents
Terrorist organizations often make videos and photos of their attacks and share them online. These videos and photos are designed to spread panic, which include scenes of bomb explosions, gunfire, and violence. Through these, they try to give the message that they are powerful and no one is safe from them.
4. Spreading fake news and rumors
Terrorist organizations often spread fake news and rumors so that instability remains in the society. They use such news to create communal, religious or ethnic conflicts among people. The result is that mutual trust in the society decreases and people start doubting each other.
5. Spreading religious or ideological messages
Terrorist organizations try to influence people by molding their ideas into a religious or ideological framework. For this, they spread such messages that inspire people to join them and support their ideology. They target emotionally weak or helpless people and try to connect them with their ideology.
6. Creating an atmosphere of distrust and insecurity in the public
Terrorist organizations try to create distrust in the government and security agencies through propaganda. They create such an atmosphere that people cannot trust their government and feel that they are insecure. This is done to weaken the image of the government, so that the public sympathizes with terrorist organizations or joins them.
7. Releasing propaganda videos and audio
Terrorist organizations also release propaganda videos and audio messages for their propaganda. In these, they call upon people to adopt their ideology, join jihad, or join them. These messages are created with the aim of provoking and inciting people’s emotions.
Thus, by using propaganda and fear tactics, terrorist organizations create an atmosphere of instability, fear and mistrust in society. The result is that people remain fearful and a situation of division is created in society, which ultimately furthers the agenda of terrorist organizations.
Avoiding security agencies
Terrorist organizations use several covert strategies and techniques to evade security agencies so that they can hide their activities and execute their goals. The purpose of these techniques is to stay out of the investigation mechanism of security agencies and keep the identity and activities of their members confidential.
Let us know how these organizations avoid security agencies:
1. Means of secret communication
Terrorist organizations use encrypted platforms like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp for communication. These platforms have encryption, which makes it difficult to intercept and read their messages. Apart from this, they also use the dark web where their activities remain more confidential than the normal internet.
2. Use of fake identity and pseudonym
The members of the organization use fake identity or pseudonym instead of their real name. They make fake documents, such as passports and identity cards, so that it is difficult to trace their real names, addresses, and identities. This method helps them stay out of the reach of security agencies.
3. Working in small and independent groups
Terrorist organizations often divide their network into small independent groups (cells). These groups have limited information about each other. Even if members of one group are caught, they cannot reveal the entire network of the organization. This strategy maintains the safety of the main leaders and other members of the organization.
4. Use of burner phones and temporary SIM cards
Terrorists use burner phones (phones that are used only once) and temporary SIM cards for communication. These phones and SIM cards are thrown away after one use so that it is not possible to monitor them. This makes it difficult to track their calls and messages.
5. Frequent change of location
Terrorists often change their hideouts frequently. This makes it difficult for security agencies to track their location. They use forests, hilly areas or places that are difficult to reach easily.
6. Use of VPN and proxy servers
To hide their identity on the Internet, they use **VPN (Virtual Private Network)** and **proxy servers**. Through this, their real IP address is hidden and it becomes difficult to trace their location and identity. This method maintains their privacy in cyber attacks and online communication.
7. Use of code language and code words
Terrorist organizations use coded language and code words so that even if their communication is caught, security agencies cannot understand the true meaning of their message. For example, the name of a place or person is derived from a code word that only members of the organization can understand.
8. Taking help from local people
Terrorist organizations get help from local people at their bases. Food, shelter and information are obtained from them. In return, money or other help is given to the local people. This allows them to stay close to the security agencies and still avoid their eyes.
9. Use of secret money and hiding techniques
Organizations use cash to keep their financial transactions secret. Apart from this, they also exchange money through hawala, digital currency like bitcoin and dark web so that their source of money cannot be traced.
10. Use of new technological means
Terrorist organizations remain technologically updated and use new technologies. They use means like drones, cyber attacks, and digital security so that their activities remain safe and secret.
Using all these methods, terrorist organizations avoid security agencies and hide their activities. It remains a big challenge for the security agencies to understand these methods and find solutions to them.
Measures to prevent terrorism
To prevent terrorism, a comprehensive and solid strategy is required, which includes the cooperation of the government, security agencies, society, and the international community. Some of the main measures to prevent terrorism are as follows:
1. Strengthening the security system
To prevent terrorism, first of all, it is necessary to equip the country’s security agencies with modern technology, training, and resources. For this, it is necessary to strengthen the network of cyber security, espionage technology, and intelligence agencies so that any type of terrorist activity can be detected on time.
2. Use of modern technology
Security agencies are now making full use of technology. Suspicious activities are monitored using AI, Big Data, and surveillance technology. Technologies like biometrics and facial recognition are also being used to identify and catch terrorists.
3. Control over economic sources
Money is a major factor for terrorist activities. Governments and international institutions can keep a tight control on hawala networks, money laundering and other illegal economic sources. For this, it is necessary to bring transparency in the banking system with international cooperation and increase monitoring on suspicious economic transactions.
4. Increasing international cooperation
International cooperation is essential to effectively prevent terrorism. The network of terrorism can be broken by exchanging information between countries, joint military exercises, and sharing intelligence. Cooperation of many international organizations such as UN, Interpol, and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) can help in this.
5. Preventing radicalism
A major cause of terrorism is the spread of radicalism and wrong ideologies. It is important to prevent radicalism through education and awareness. Efforts can be made to change radical ideologies through moderate Islamic education or inclusive education. Correct education can be given by running awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and religious places.
6. Increasing awareness and vigilance in society
Every person in the society needs to be aware and vigilant. The public needs to be made to understand that they should immediately report suspicious activities to the security agencies. For this, governments can train the public and provide facilities like helpline numbers, mobile apps.
7. Monitoring on digital platforms
Terrorist organizations use social media and dark web to spread their ideology and recruit new members. The government and social media companies together can increase surveillance on these platforms and suspicious content can be removed immediately. Strict steps should be taken to prevent fake news and misleading propaganda.
8. Rehabilitation programs for the prevention of radical activities
Rehabilitation programs and psychological support can be provided to those people who have become victims of radicalism for some reason. The aim of these programmes is to bring the radicals back to the mainstream so that they leave the path of terrorism and can lead a normal life in the society.
9. Strengthening border security
Terrorists often carry out their attacks by coming from across the border. For this, strict security arrangements and use of modern equipment on the border are necessary, such as drones, sensors and infrared cameras. Border security forces should be equipped with new technologies from time to time.
10. Increasing coordination between intelligence agencies
It is important to share information between various security and intelligence agencies at the right time. For this, there should be coordination at the national and state level so that any terrorist threat can be detected on time and immediate action can be taken.
11. Peace and development programmes
Terrorism can also arise from poverty, unemployment and inequality. In such a situation, development schemes and peace efforts can improve the areas where terrorism flourishes. Improving education, employment, and health services can provide people with a better life.
A combination of these measures can achieve significant success in preventing terrorism. However, terrorism is a complex problem and requires constant effort and vigilance.