From Tragedy to Triumph: Morocco’s Response to the 2003 Casablanca Bombings
Throughout the 20th century, Morocco remained fairly unharmed by terrorism. Then on May 16, 2003, the Moroccan economic capital of Casablanca was swayed by a suicide bombing, killing forty Moroccans. The French language magazine Jeune Afrique characterised the attacks as “Morocco’s 9/11,” adding that they “deeply altered the kingdom.” The tragic events observed the advancement […]
Kenya’s Transformative Strategies and Success in Countering Terrorism
On September 21, 2013, gunmen overran the upmarket Westgate Mall in Nairobi massacring at least 67 people, injuring more and initiating a days-long standoff with police. It turned out to be a terrorist raid that discouraged Kenya and the entire region, pressing the state to pour billions of shillings into security agencies. When Kenya’s ex-president […]
Counterterrorism Collaboration: Somali Danab’s Success at Justified Accord 2024
Elite fighters from Somalia made history at Exercise Justified Accord 2024 (JA24). The Somali Danab is a special operations unit within the Somali National Army, playing a critical role in the nation’s ongoing measures to combat terrorism and stabilize the region. Justified Accord is successfully conducted annually in collaboration with the United States Africa Command […]
Rwanda’s Intervention in Mozambique: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Jihadist Insurgency
In April 2021, Islamic State jihadists raided the Mozambican town of Palma, shooting dozens of people and forcing a deadlock between insurgents and hundreds of civilians holed up at the Amarula Hotel. The brutal insurgency that started in 2017 had dominated the increasingly desperate Mozambican government. Confronted with its inefficient army, the country first desired […]
Egypt’s Response to Insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula
Egypt has been resisting terrorism and an uprising in the Sinai Peninsula for the past decade. The Egyptian military has performed several military operations against radicals and extremists. The Sinai Peninsula spans roughly 23,000 square miles and comprises 6 percent of Egypt’s total land area. It has a small inhabitants of 550,000—out of Egypt’s total […]
Unpacking Niger’s Counter-Terrorism Tactics: The Role of Dialogue
On 10 February 2022, Niger mourned one of its deadliest attacks when gunmen with presumed links to violent extremist masses ambushed a military convoy in Banibangou, a neighborhood in the Tillabéri region. Seventeen soldiers were killed, and 13 were wounded, ending months of comparative calm in the area. Violence had declined as a result of […]
Chad’s Counterterrorism Efforts: Progress, Limitations, and Partnerships
Over the years, Chad has experienced continuous terrorist threats in the border areas near the population. Boko Haram persisted in using IEDs in the Lake Chad region but more often undertook raids with semiautomatic rifles. BH and ISIS-West Africa had minimal presence in Chad, with BH leading the most activity within Chad. Security forces and […]
The Fight Against Terrorism: Brazil’s Role in International Security Efforts
Brazil and the US maintain strong counterterrorism cooperation. The Brazilian Federal Police (PF), Brazil’s lead Counter-terrorism agency, worked closely with law enforcement from the United States and other countries to assess and mitigate potential terrorist threats. The Brazilian administration continued to support CT activities, including controlling sensitive technologies and analyzing fraudulent travel documents. The U.S. […]
Togo’s Resilience: Strengthening Security and Stability Against Extremism
The West African nation of Togo and its coastal neighbors are strengthening their measures to bolster security, governance, and economic stability in communities threatened by violent extremism and terrorism. The US is partnering with Togo in this crucial endeavor and mobilizing support under the U.S. Strategy to Contain Conflicts and Boost Stability (SPCPS), a whole-of-government […]
Tackling Terrorism: South Africa’s Response to Extremist Dynamics
ISIS facilitation networks and compartments remained a threat after the South African government first publicly recognized them in 2016. Regional dynamics continued as an increasing concern as terrorist groups made progress in the Southern African Development Community region, including Mozambique. The government implicated Johannesburg-based brothers Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie for international terrorism and persists in […]