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Recent cases in New Orleans and Vienna confirm the growing threat of ‘do-it-yourself’ jihadism

Isis is making inroads among young people and vulnerable individuals, exploiting their desperation and computer skills to fuel self-radicalisation. According to the Washington Post, this process involves more and more men who have acted in the name of the Islamic State or inspired by its message in recent years, despite the end of the self-proclaimed caliphate five years ago.

The latest case is that of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an American citizen who on New Year’s Eve killed 14 people by running them over with a vehicle in New Orleans. Similarly, last August, 19-year-old Austrian Beran Aliji attempted to organise an attack on Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna, which was then foiled thanks to the monitoring of his online communications by the authorities.

Do-it-yourself radicalisation and the role of the web

In both cases, we observe dynamics of personal crisis and social isolation that led the suspects to seek refuge in Isis-related virtual networks. Aliji, in particular, had been attracted by online extremist content and violent videos, finding in secret chat rooms dedicated to the Islamic State a kind of inspiration and even practical support to plan his attack.

Isis, unlike al-Qaeda, has built a complex online infrastructure that encourages followers to act independently, without the need for direct orders. Although devoid of a caliphate, the group continues to operate through cells in various regions, from the Middle East to South Asia, and to inspire attacks worldwide.

Young people in the crosshairs: a growing threat

The phenomenon is of particular concern to intelligence agencies, as radicalised suspects are becoming younger and younger. Aliji, for instance, is part of a new wave of teenagers who avidly consume Isis videos, viewing its members as role models. Despite efforts to block content, it is now easier for tech-savvy youngsters to access Isis propaganda material. Counter-terrorism officials report an alarming increase in teenagers watching videos of executions and following extremist influencers at an early age.

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