The North African nations are fast becoming home to radical Islamic militants. The ongoing conflict in Iraq and the consequent bloodshed may be putting into back bench the rising terrorist menace in this part of the world. But the deep-seated orthodox elements in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan and Egypt providing necessary man and money power to the growth of terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda can hardly be ignored.
The incidents occurring in northern and eastern part of Africa since last three years are becoming focus of international anti-terrorist conventions. The bombings in resort towns of Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh and Taba in last couple of years targeting western tourists were part of wider terror planning. The conflict in Somalia between the Islamist insurgents and west backed secular government is often viewed as a tussle between al-Qaeda and the US.
Little is known about the fierce gun battle in Tunisia on January 12 this year. More than a dozen terrorists were killed by the security forces. In another incident on March 11, a man entered a cyber cafe in Moroccan city of Casablanca and detonated explosives hidden under his cloths. On April 10, in Casablanca three militants blew up themselves to avoid arrest by security forces.
But the most deadly episode occurred in Algeria’s capital Algiers. Two bombs went off killing 33 people and injuring hundreds on April 11. The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), an arm of global terror network and al-Qaeda has taken the responsibility. Again, on last Sunday, two militants blew themselves near the US consulate and its cultural center, injuring one passer-by.
While investigating the incidents, the government agencies found that GSPC is active in Tunisia and Mauritania and aims at establishing Taliban type of system in countries of North Africa. This point to existence of an organized and regimented Islamic terror network in North Africa.
The increasing terrorist events in North Africa need to be understood in socio-geographical perspective. Being home to millions of under privileged and uneducated people, these countries are best suited to supply human resource to spread terror. The incessant sectarian conflict, civil strife, lack of economic development and political dissent add to the militant activities in these countries.
The rising menace of Islamic terror in North Africa is sure to pose a greater threat to Europe than Iraq and Afghanistan. Ignoring the increasingly evident threat posed by Islamic terrorists is identical to Europe begging for problems. Being closer to Europe, and home to 20 million Muslims migrants, this part of Africa provides an uncomplicated way for the terrorist groups to carry out their agenda for death and destruction in western nations.
Via: Weekend Economist
