The Homeland and New Phase of Terrorism: Defeating the Lone Wolf and Small Group Operatives

• In Event: Understanding Lone Wolf Terrorists

Abstract

The threats of the lone wolf and small group terror operatives emerged as one of the most daunting challenge for security of the homeland. The past decade was marred by the rattling of public spaces and attacks on citizens with automatic weapons, bombs, knives and machetes as the newest strategy for lone wolf and small group terror operatives. Cities in France, Belgium, Germany, Britain and the United States have all experienced tragic situations inflicted by this new phase of operative attacks. This paper draws on the factors driving the emergence of lone wolfs and small group operatives, and outline containment methods in the context of counter-terrorism to defeat the operatives.

Author

• Binneh Minteh, Rutgers University