The Invisible Russian and Iranian Threat

Lone-wolf terrorism, defined as acts of terror carried out by individuals not directly affiliated with organized groups, has been on the rise. This phenomenon is particularly concerning because these actors often evade traditional surveillance methods used by intelligence and law enforcement agencies. According to research, lone wolves usually operate independently, inspired by extremist ideologies disseminated through online platforms. They are driven by personal grievances, social isolation, and sometimes mental illness, making them difficult to profile and pre-empt.

In “Lone Wolf Terrorism: An Overlooked Threat,” I explored the complexities of lone wolf terrorism, emphasizing its underestimated danger. Lone wolves have the potential to cause significant harm, as evidenced by high-profile attacks over the past decade. Many lone wolves use rudimentary technology and strategy, but a state-sponsored or state-radicalized individual could access more advanced techniques. These incidents demonstrate that lone actors can execute devastating attacks with minimal resources and planning. The Telegraph article highlighted that critical infrastructure — specifically infrastructure that can be targeted and any damage be easily explained away as poor maintenance — are the targets. These targets are bridges, roads, and rail. The primary concern when it comes to rail is the potential for derailments to have significant immediate and long-term effects on the communities for which they affect.

As I previously detailed in an article, a significant threat from state actors is contributing to the radicalization of vulnerable individuals here in the United States. If a United States citizen is primed to become radicalized — highlighted by isolation, radical beliefs, and few connections to their community — they now have a new supercharger, state-sanctioned subversion. In the past, we have seen influential works by terrorist organizations (such as Anwar al Awlaki’s Inspire magazine published by Al-Qaeda). Inspire has seen a change in publication since Awlaki died in 2011, being published inconsistently. With that being said, the Russian state actors, along with other major threats, can easily publish similar works in an attempt to equip lone wolves with the technology and strategy needed to become effective terrorists.

While lone-wolf terrorism presents a unique set of challenges, group-based terrorism — particularly orchestrated by state actors like Russia and Iran — poses an equally significant threat. The recent attacks in Europe suggest a coordinated effort by Russian operatives to destabilize and strike fear in the West. These actions are not limited to just Europe, though; the porous southern border of the United States offers a potential entry point for saboteurs aiming to disrupt American society and infrastructure.

The illegal crossings at the Southern Border have seen an increased number of individuals from Eastern Bloc nations, Russia, and the Middle East. These individuals could easily cross the Southern Border with sympathies to Putin, al-Assad, or the Ayatollah. These individuals who come into the United States with these sympathies and a goal of destabilizing American life, the economy, and confidence in the intelligence community pose a major threat to every town across the country. The ability to track individuals crossing the border has become a logistical impossibility due to the policies of the current President of the United States.

Group terrorism can take many forms, but the ones that pose the greatest threat are those that are only loosely affiliated with one another. With a very loose affiliation, individuals are less concerned about tracking and prosecution. These loose affiliations can start wherever there is an open forum for communication, such as chat rooms, online forums, social media, online video games, and streams, alongside other outlets. These forms of communication provide the intelligence community with an arduous task.

‘How does one track every conversion?’ The issue is . . . they cannot. This is due to two main factors: logistical and technological limitations and the far more critical Constitutional concerns.

The United States must bolster its intelligence capabilities and border security measures to counter these threats. A multi-faceted approach is essential:

1. Enhanced Intelligence Resources on the Southern Border — Investing in advanced surveillance technologies and expanding the National Security Agency’s (NSA) capabilities to monitor and intercept communications related to terrorist activities are crucial. Improved intelligence sharing between agencies and foreign intelligence services can also enhance threat detection and response.
2. Southern Border Security — Increasing funding, training, and employment of Customs and Border Patrol Officers is vital to secure the Southern Border against potential infiltrators. This includes deploying more personnel, enhancing physical barriers, and utilizing advanced technology for surveillance and detection.
3. Military Involvement — Treating border security as a military operation can provide the necessary resources and expertise to manage and mitigate threats. A full deployment of military assets to the Southern Border can deter potential saboteurs and ensure a robust response to any incursions.

As the threats from lone wolf and group terrorism continue to evolve, the United States must adapt and enhance its defensive measures. By investing in intelligence, securing our borders, and leveraging military capabilities, we can protect our nation from the multi-faceted dangers posed by both individual terrorists and coordinated state-sponsored attacks.

In addressing these challenges, policymakers must draw upon comprehensive research and proven strategies to safeguard our communities and uphold national security. The front line for future conflicts might be primarily in a foreign theater, but we must recognize that a front line is forming on every Main Street in the United States of America. The lessons from Europe serve as a stark reminder that proactive and coordinated efforts are essential to counter the ever-present threat of terrorism in all of its forms.