15-February -2025-Special-Article

THE CHANGING NATURE OF TERRORISM

Terrorism is constantly evolving, influenced by geopolitical instability, digital radicalization, and advanced technology. Traditional methods of terrorism are being replaced by lone-wolf attacks, cyberterrorism, and state-sponsored extremism. This changing nature of terrorism poses significant challenges to global security, including India.

How is Terrorism Evolving?

1. Increased Unpredictability

• Terrorist groups can remain inactive for long periods and then resurface with large-scale attacks.

• Example: Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023 challenged the belief that terror groups avoid full-scale wars.

• Lone-wolf attacks by self-radicalized individuals have become more common.

• Example: 2025 New Orleans attacks in the US by an indoctrinated extremist.

2. State-Sponsored Terrorism

• Some countries now harbor or support terrorist groups, making it difficult to combat terrorism effectively.

• Example: Syria under Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Afghanistan under the Taliban continue to foster terrorist activities.

3. Changing Tactics and Strategies

• Terror groups are shifting from organized structures to decentralized networks, using:

• Sympathizers and sleeper cells for surprise attacks.
• Vehicle ramming, knife attacks, and lone-wolf operations as cost-effective methods.
• Educated professionals joining terrorist groups, bringing strategic expertise.

4. Expanding Geographic Reach

• Terror networks are spreading beyond their traditional regions.

• Example: ISIS-K’s growing influence in Afghanistan poses a major threat to South Asia.

5. Use of Advanced Technology

• Terrorists are adopting drones, cyberattacks, and 3D-printed weapons to enhance their capabilities.

• Example: Houthi drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in 2019 demonstrated precision strikes.

6. Cross-Group Collaboration

• Terrorist organizations are forming alliances to expand their reach and influence.

• Example: Iran’s Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi militias, targeting Israel.

7. Rise of Domestic Terrorism in the West

• Political polarization and social tensions are fueling homegrown terrorism in the US and Europe.

• Example: 2019 El Paso shooting driven by racial extremism.

Why is Terrorism Changing?

1. Weak Global Governance

• International institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) struggle to combat terrorism effectively.
• Terror groups continue to receive funding and safe havens despite global counterterrorism efforts.

2. Rise of Terrorist-Controlled Regimes

• Political instability leads to terrorist groups taking control of regions.

• Example: The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria allowed HTS to gain power.

3. Growth of Global Terror Networks

• Globalization has made it easier for terrorist groups to transfer:

• People (foreign fighters)
• Weapons and explosives
• Financial support (illegal funding, cryptocurrencies, hawala networks)

• Example: Al-Qaeda and ISIS expanding into Africa, South Asia, and Europe beyond their Middle Eastern strongholds.

4. New Ideological Motivations

• While earlier terrorism was mainly politically motivated, it now includes:

• Religious extremism
• Ethnic and identity grievances
• Personal revenge-driven attacks

• Example: 2019 Christchurch shootings were motivated by white supremacist ideology.

5. Proxy Warfare by States

• Some countries support terror groups to destabilize their rivals.

• Example: Jaish-e-Mohammed’s attacks in India allegedly backed by Pakistan.

Impact on India

1. Homegrown Radicalization

• Terror groups target Indian youth through social media and online propaganda.

• Example: Radicalization cases in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• India has identified 62 locals and 68 overseas Indians linked to ISIS, mostly from South India.

2. Increase in Low-Cost, High-Impact Attacks

• Terror groups use cheap but deadly attacks that require minimal resources.

• Example: 2022 Coimbatore car blast, a locally executed terror attack.

3. Misinformation and Radicalization in Local Languages

• Terror groups use encrypted apps, AI, and deepfake technology to spread propaganda.
• Messages in regional languages are harder to detect on mainstream platforms, making radicalization more effective.

4. UAV-Based Terrorism

• Drones are used to smuggle weapons, drugs, and explosives across borders.

• Example: 2021 Jammu drone attack on the Indian Air Force station.

5. Terror Financing via Illegal Channels

• Hawala transactions, cryptocurrency, and fake NGOs are used to fund terrorist activities.

• Example: Popular Front of India (PFI) was banned for receiving foreign funds for unlawful activities.
• Fugitive figures like Zakir Naik allegedly channel foreign funds for extremist causes.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthening Global Cooperation

• India must work with international bodies like UNSC and FATF to cut off terror financing.
• Strengthen intelligence-sharing with SAARC, BIMSTEC, and neighboring countries.

2. Advancing AI & Cybersecurity Measures

• Develop AI-driven surveillance to detect radicalization in local languages.
• Collaborate with tech companies to remove extremist content from encrypted platforms.

3. Stricter Monitoring of NGOs and Financial Transactions

• Enforce strict regulations on foreign-funded NGOs to prevent misuse of funds for terrorism.
• Enhance tracking of cryptocurrency and hawala networks.

4. Updating Counterterrorism Laws

• Strengthen laws like UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and NIA Act to address:

• Lone-wolf terrorism
• Cyber radicalization
• New terror financing methods

5. Enhancing Border Security & Surveillance

• Deploy drone detection systems along the India-Pakistan border.
• Increase patrolling and intelligence operations to prevent arms smuggling.

Conclusion

Terrorism is becoming more unpredictable, technologically advanced, and deeply connected to global politics. India faces a growing threat from homegrown radicalization, cyberterrorism, and cross-border extremism. A multi-pronged approach—focusing on global cooperation, strong cyber laws, financial tracking, and advanced surveillance—is essential to counter evolving terror threats and ensure national security.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the evolving nature of terrorism with a focus on technological advancements and state-sponsored extremism. How can India strengthen its counterterrorism measures to address these emerging threats? (150 WORDS)