Terrorism in South Asia

Terror attacks are not been new in Asia and among the terror organisations, the operations of the Islamic State (IS) has proved to be the most aggressive in recent years. Despite assumptions of the Islamic State being wiped out of its havens in the Middle East, the Bangladesh attack in 2015 and the Sri Lanka attack in 2019 proves not only the continuing presence of the organization but also indicates its gradual expansion towards South and South East Asia.

In order to understand the rapid proliferation of the ideological lure of Islamic State in South Asia in recent decades it is necessary to bring into focus factors that compelled them to orchestrate attacks in South Asia and the objectives behind these attacks. The Islamic State has always shown a reach greater than its geographical base that is centered in Iraq and Syria. It seeks to unite the Islamic ummah under the convention of Islamic revivalism.

The blasts struck Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, 21^st April 2019, in the capital city of Colombo and also at Negombo and Batticaloa, creating panic as the number of civilian casualties gradually increased. Altogether 259 people were killed which included nearly 45 foreign nationals and 3 police officers in the countrywide attacks in churches and luxury hotels of Sri Lanka.

The mastermind behind this attack were suicide bombers bearing allegiance to the Islamic State and its then leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Zahran Hashim, who was accused as the ringleader behind the attack was a member of the local Sri Lankan Islamist group, National Thowheed Jamath. He died while organizing one of the attacks at a hotel on the same day in Sri Lanka. The attack in Sri Lanka elucidates the growing power of the IS from a regional terrorist group to the flag bearer of terrorism worldwide.

Similarly, the Taliban represent the face of terror in Afghanistan. While there are reports of regular terror strikes the most recent was in response to the dissolution of peace negotiations by President Donald Trump. The agony of losing near and dear ones has now become a regular phenomenon in Kabul. In the incident that occurred on 6^th of September, 2019, twelve people were killed, among them an American NATO service member, and forty-two were injured. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by Zabiullah Mujahid. The attacks escalated international pressure for the recommencement of the dialogues.

The Presidential elections also became the target of attacks. On 17^th of September 2019, 48 people who participated in a political rally supporting the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani were killed. The Taliban wanted civilians to remain aloof from any kind of political gatherings if they want to avoid casualties.

These terror attacks exhibit the intensity of security challenges that the nations are facing worldwide. Only a co-ordinated global response would work towards reducing their intensity.

Sanandita Chanda

Intern AGA