- The average number of people killed in terrorist attacks in 2022 was 1.7, according to the IEP.
- Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates ranked among the most lethal terrorist organizations globally.
- Terrorists may be able to disrupt operations and steal confidential data thanks to cybersecurity flaws.
The world is witnessing an increase in terrorism, banditry, militancy, interethnic conflicts, and religious extremism as nations grapple with the threat of insecurity posed by terrorists and terror organizations.
The average number of people killed in terrorist attacks in 2022 was 1.7, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). This represents the first increase in the lethality rate in five years. The report additionally disclosed that in 2022, Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates ranked among the most lethal terrorist organizations globally.
International terrorism
Funds are frequently needed by terrorist groups to support their operations, which include refueling their affiliate network and acquiring weapons and ammunition. One of the simple revenue streams they take advantage of is the illegal mining of natural resources like gold, diamonds, and crude oil.
To fund their operations, the majority of terrorist groups and affiliated organizations may take advantage of corporate entities by using them as a conduit for cash or by conducting illicit financial transactions.
There has been an increase in the number of cases in recent years of corporations becoming entangled in the web of international terrorism facilitation as a result of dubious connections, unethical or illegal transactions, or dealings with organizations whose missions align with terrorism. Businesses that neglect to conduct thorough background checks may unintentionally assist terrorists in laundering money.
In a recent case, tech companies—including the massive African telecom operator MTN Group—are being prosecuted and put on trial in US courts for alleged business ties to the IRGC. MTN Group continues to do business with MTN Irancell, in which IRGC owns a 49% minority investment shareholding.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York determined that MTN and the tech companies were aware that their business dealings would contribute to the financing, armament, and support of the Iranian terror group’s campaign in Iraq.
Terrorism facilitation has a detrimental effect on society, especially in areas of vital infrastructure like telecommunications. Businesses in these industries are susceptible to terrorist attacks from organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria.
Terrorists may be able to disrupt operations and steal confidential data thanks to cybersecurity flaws. In areas of conflict, multinational companies need to make sure their operations aren’t unintentionally aiding terrorism. Maintaining brand names and reputations requires careful consideration of risks when making decisions.
Businesses should put strong due diligence, compliance, and risk management procedures in place to reduce the chance of being discovered to be supporting terrorism. These procedures should cover financial transactions, supply chain security, cybersecurity, moral business conduct, and employee vigilance.
