Terrorism involves deliberately inflicting fear and harm upon individuals.
Both terrorism and acts of terror often have a political aspect. These actions are typically executed by groups that consider themselves as victims of past injustices. It is important to note that terrorist organizations are not connected to governments, but they possess formidable weapons and advanced technology. Many individuals believe that these groups receive monetary support from specific governments or influential individuals who share their goals.
Acts of violence, such as bombing or suicide bombing, carried out by terrorists result in destruction and loss of life. Terrorism is responsible for numerous innocent deaths globally (Aly, 2014). On September 11, 2012, the Benghazi attack occurred in Libya when Islamic militia associated with Al-Qaeda executed the assault. The militants specifically targeted an American diplomatic compound
...and a CIA annex situated approximately 100 miles apart.
In the study by Bapat et.al (2016), it was reported that a total of four Americans lost their lives and another ten were wounded in the terrorist attacks. The victims consisted of an ambassador, a Foreign Service Information Management Officer, and two CIA contractors. These tragic events took place during Libya's transitional phase following the civil war against Gaddafi's regime. It is believed that these attacks were instigated by protests occurring at that time. As a result, despite the government's denial of additional security for the diplomatic compound in Libya, heightened security measures were implemented globally by the USA. This act of terrorism can be linked to previous incidents such as the 1998 bombing of an American embassy in Kenya, which resulted in numerous casualties.
The Obama administration categorized the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center a
domestic terrorism, but there were worries about negligence when it was revealed that the government had disregarded pleas to enhance security staff in Benghazi. As a result, Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Tyrone and Glen tragically died. The militia employed a distinctive approach in executing this assault (Chomsky, 2015).
Around 150 gunmen, armed with various weapons including rocket propelled grenades, hand grenades, guns, assault rifles, artillery on gun trucks and machine guns, launched a stealthy night-time attack (DiGiovanni, 2014). Two compounds were targeted by the terrorists. The first attack happened at approximately 9:40 local time at the main compound where the ambassador was present. The second attack occurred about a mile away. The assault on the CIA annex ceased shortly after starting a fire.
The attack on the consulate in Benghazi was classified by the US government as an act of terrorism, specifically a state-sponsored act of terrorism. It was a meticulously planned and executed attack that targeted American diplomats and citizens.
The Islamists were displeased with the American operations in Libya. The assailants were homegrown extremists, exhibiting violent behavior. Furthermore, the attack represented a form of terrorism that impacted both international and domestic interests (Embassy, 2013). The Al-Qaeda-connected group specifically targeted not only Americans but also those supporting them.
The attack happened at the international USA consulate in Libya. The Al-Qaeda group is globally recognized for its attacks on various countries. While the government labeled the attack as spontaneous, evidence suggests it was premeditated. Counter-terrorism measures are strategies employed to combat terrorism and diminish insurgent activities. These measures are implemented to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent acts of terrorism (Deflem, 2006). Governments should
aim to enhance the presence of security personnel in highly populated locations like shopping malls.
Enhancing security measures builds confidence among people as terrorists tend to avoid heavily guarded areas. Therefore, the administration should also improve screening processes, such as those implemented at airports, to ensure that illegal weapons and potential threats are prevented from entering such areas.
Special police units play a critical role in combating terrorism by reducing potential risks. These units aid in collecting information on terrorist activities, resulting in improved measures against these activities and the prevention of further harm and loss of life.
It is crucial to keep individuals informed about the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities (Ragazzi, 2016). People must be aware of their surroundings and take steps to ensure their own safety. Implementing random shift schedules for security personnel would prevent terrorists from becoming familiar with established routines because fixed schedules make for vulnerable targets (Embassy, 2014). Thorough inspections of vehicles and individuals entering high-density areas like malls and airports are also necessary in order to prevent potential attacks. In summary, terrorism is a global issue that has led to many fatalities and injuries.
The issue of terrorism has had a global impact, affecting multiple countries. As a result, it is crucial for all nations to unite in combating this threat. One method to achieve this is by enhancing security measures and swiftly gathering intelligence. Additionally, governments should implement counter-terrorism strategies to prevent attacks.
References
- Aly, A. (2014). Symbolic attack sites and the performance of terrorism, counter-terrorism and memory.
- Chomsky, N. (2015). Pirates and emperors, old and new: International terrorism in the real world. Haymarket Books.
- Bapat, N.,
De la Calle, L., Hinkkainen, K., ; McLean, E. (2016).
The article "Economic sanctions, transnational terrorism, and the incentive to misrepresent" in the Journal of Politics investigates the connection between economic sanctions and transnational terrorism. Another study on this subject is "Europol and the Policing of International Terrorism: Counter-Terrorism in a Global Perspective" by Deflem (2006) which was published in the Justice Quarterly journal (Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 336-359). In addition to that, DiGiovanni Jr has also conducted research in this area.
(2014). "Domestic terrorism with chemical or biological agents: psychiatric aspects." American Journal of Psychiatry.
Embassy, U. S. (2013). "Benghazi: The Attacks and the Lessons Learned."
Embassy, U.
S. (2014). Country Report on Terrorism 2013-Libya.
;li;Ragazzi, F. (2016). Suspect community or suspect category? The impact of counter-terrorism as ‘policed multiculturalism’. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 1-18.;/li;
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