Militancy: A Global Challenge
The word militant comes from the Latin word militare, dating back to the fifteenth century. Militancy refers to ultra or extremist behavior, and such groups are often known as the lunatic fringe. Their extreme activities have made them known to the world as ultra-terrorists.
The most notorious groups include ISIS, Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, the Taliban, and others. These militant organizations achieve their goals by using religion as a tool. They exploit people’s religious weaknesses to recruit followers. Those who are extremely religious often become easily influenced and are recruited by these terrorist organizations. Once indoctrinated, they commit crimes and become known as novice militants.
Basically, novice militants are trapped by having their minds manipulated through religious brainwashing by these prohibited extremist organizations. By using religion as a weapon, many attacks have taken place around the world, for instance, the attacks in New Zealand on Muslims, in Sri Lanka on Buddhists, and in Bangladesh on foreigners in 2016. These attacks have occurred repeatedly over the last few years.
Continuously, ISIS and other militant organizations have been carrying out heinous acts across the globe. They are engaged in kidnappings, physical assaults, and bloodshed, creating chaos and widespread unrest. Although developed countries are attempting to eradicate the activities of these powerful extremist organizations, it is becoming increasingly challenging to subvert them.
At present, ISIS is considered the most powerful extremist organization among all others. In many underdeveloped Middle Eastern and African countries, these groups have established their bases such as in Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Palestine. These regions serve as their operational centers and sources of resilience.
From many developing countries, women and children are trafficked and used as sex slaves. Furthermore, huge ransoms are often demanded by these inhumane criminals. Even though the world is facing a critical situation due to the ongoing pandemic, these groups have not ceased their heinous activities. Instead, they continue to devise new ways to spread unrest and create social and political instability.
The world today faces a dual challenge, combating both the virus and militancy. To maintain peace across the globe, all countries must work hand in hand so that these organizations and their acts of terror can be eradicated entirely, ensuring a peaceful and safe world for all peace-loving people.