Harsha Kakar
The latest ‘lone wolf'(Omar Mateen) attack, on the gay night club in Orlando, Florida has dominated headlines for over a week. The last noteworthy ‘lone wolf’ strike was the San Bernardino massacre in Dec 15.The attackers in both cases were self- radicalized and swore allegiance to the ISIS. The almost regular occurrences of knife or weapon wielding Palestinians attacking innocent Israelis, similar in nature to ‘lone wolf’s’, are not by radicalized sympathizers but by a frustrated and suppressed populace, who feel they have no other manner of expressing their resentment. They conduct the strike knowing that this action would adversely impact their families, including breaking down of their meagre dwellings and rendering them homeless. Hence they cannot be considered as similar to ‘lone wolfs’.
A ‘lone wolf’, in contrast to a planned terrorist strike, as witnessed recently by France, Belgium, India and a number of other nations, is an individual acting alone, without any directions from terrorist group leaders. He would however have been influenced and radicalized by extreme ideologies. He therefore prepares alone and broadcasts his ideological thoughts, either just prior or during his strike, giving security forces no warnings. Invariably, he also leaves his radicalized views on his personal pages on the net or in some form of written statements.
The subsequent announcement of terror groups claiming credit for the strike is illogical as they would never have encountered the individual nor known his target nor intention nor even time of strike. Their only claim to success has been that the individual has announced his support to their ideology. Though the ISIS has been using open media to encourage such attacks, considering the trillions who browse the net daily, only a handful indulge in such actions. However, for the nation and the families of the casualties such an action is pain enough. Of the known ‘lone wolf’ attacks, maximum have been in the US, mainly because of the easy availability of deadly fire arms.
The reason why such attacks are difficult to predict is because the individual acts alone and selectshis targets carefully whilst having no communication with others or any group. It is difficult to monitor every individual who is surfing the net for such links unless he leaves indications of his proposedactions.
Three threads are common for all ‘lone wolfs’. First is that the individual wouldhave hatred towardshis intended target which could influence his choice, however unless clearly announced to someone close to him, who then shares it with the authorities, it is difficult to monitor. At the same time, it is nigh impossible to estimate the time of his planned assault as he acts alone. Secondly, the personwouldindicate signs of extreme frustration and fury. In most cases he would be violent, possessing an anti-social record and visible to the authorities. This again is impossible to monitor, as in the present environment their numbersare so immense. Finally, most are loners, hence the chances of them sharing their thoughts with others is equally remote. Even those close to them may never be aware of their true intentions and dark thoughts.
In India, there are regulations which prevent individuals from procuring auto weapons resulting high casualties from the open market, however, there is no dearth in obtaining raw materials to create crude explosives. The explosion of population in malls, mainly on holidays, crowded markets during festival times and gathering of humanity at religious events are possible targets for ‘lone wolfs’. Therefore, during such occasions, there is always a high security alert with enhanced deployment to act as a deterrent. Though India has witnessed terrorist strikes, none have been ‘lone wolfs’. The individuals may have been radicalized and inputs of the same unknown to their families, however, they have been supported by banned organizations located within the nation or in the neighbourhood.
The one major aspect which would continue to encourage ‘lone wolf’ strikes across the world in the coming days is the enhanced publicity being given to their actions. For a number of days, the print and visual media have devoted considerable space to the Orlando ‘lone wolf’. It has been similar with every incident. For those on the borderline, this publicity glare would tilt them over the wall. Such publicity even after they have been killed could satisfy an urge as most of them are loners and have lived a life of complete obscurity.
The world is today grappling for answers on methodologies which can be adopted to locate and identify such cases before they strike and cause casualties. At the same time, expecting the public to report suspect cases would only enhance hate crime and profiling as has been the manner within or on US bound flights, where anindividual indicating suspicion on a co-passenger for any reason has led to their downloading. This alienates communities and sects and increases hatred. Further any such strike has the tendency to enhance hate crime against specific communities, thus pushing those still on the fence across.
Lone wolfs never consider the future impact of their actions. They do so for personal reasons, whether it be radicalization, belief in an ideology or hatred against a community or group. It could also be a means of seeking attention on themselves, even if it flows post their death. It is only subsequent retaliation or profiling which encourages more to follow. Amongst immediate actions which can be considered by the state are restricting free availability of weapons, stricter monitoring of the net and curtailing religious preachers who spread an ideology of hate. Simultaneously there is need to encourage a better understanding of different religions and culture. The state therefore has immense responsibility, as prevention is always better than cure.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel