Rising Terrorism Global Threats: Strengthening security within Australia

The current threat landscape and terror levels globally continue to rise, with several wars displaying extreme levels of violence, political conflicts, religious extremism, and social revolutionists active worldwide. We are seeing increased violent and radical attacks in support of ideology extremists and other terrorist organisations, ultimately harming innocent people and instilling fear among communities.

With a growing list of conflicting countries, Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), who are a disaggregated data collection, analyst and crisis mapping initiative have compiled interesting data which highlights the current conflict trends around the world. The below data snapshots are part of ACLED’s Conflict Index Results for July 2024. Looking at the two highest ranked GCI, Palestine and Myanmar both ranked extreme and both also in the top 4% of being the deadliest and most dangerous to civilians.

(Please note some of this data may have changed since published. All data snapshots are credit of ACLED)

Isolated Terrorist Attacks – New Orleans

While these country-wide events are occurring around the world, there are also smaller, more isolated attacks which have been linked to terrorist organisations occurring more and more frequently. The most recent attack which is cause for concern has occurred in the United States on New Years Eve 2024. This lone-wolf terrorist attack made by Shamsud-Din Jabbar who proclaimed his support to Islamic State, drove a truck into crowds into French Quarter on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring over 30. This attack was well-thought out and meticulously planned by the accused, with him visiting Bourbon Street by bike twice in the lead up to the attack and recording his surrounds via Meta glasses. It is presumed this mode of recording was used to allow Jabbar to record whilst remaining inconspicuous to by-standers, and then later study the location for maximum impact upon attack. Moments before the attack, five videos were released to Facebook by Jabbar, with him sharing that he had joined ISIS, was motivated by them, and stated he had “originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the ‘war between believers and disbelievers’. ”

Before driving a rented truck into the crowded Bourbon Street on NYE, CCTV footage captured Jabbar placing two improvised explosive devices (IED) which were hidden in ice boxes / eskies in the nearby area. These were made safe before detonating and the detonator for the devices was apparently found in the truck by authorities. Jabbar was fatally shot at the scene and deemed by the FBI to have acted alone in the attack, although motivated and inspired by ISIS. This tragic event not only highlights the lengths extremists are willing to go for their cause, but the impact modern technologies and social platforms are having on terrorist acts. Items such as Meta glasses used for filming and platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok give these individuals a new platform to express their views, instil fear in communities and find other like-minded extremists.

*Information in above information is courtesy of ABC NEWS*

Impacts on Australia and New Zealand

While Australia and New Zealand are often ranked some of the safest countries at being at risk of terrorist attacks, the recent escalation of anti-semitic attacks and social revolutionists across Australia is cause for concern. In the past three months alone, Sydney has seen 9 arson and vandalism attacks across the Greater Sydney region, with growing escalation of attacks, including the arson / defacing of a childcare centre and vandalism of a Jewish school, plus the discovery of an explosive device found in a caravan in Dural. These attacks are becoming more frequent and increasing in severity as time goes on. NSW Premier Chris Minns said in a press conference on January 30th

The threat level increasing from “possible” to ‘PROBABLE” in August 2024 highlights the countries concerns for the impact that these global affairs have on our nation. And while ASIO have reassured the public on January 30 2025 that there is no ongoing threat to safety in light of the increase in anti-semitic events and the terror threat will remain at probable, it is still a time to re-evaluate security, So, what can our nation do to strengthen security and mitigate against threats?

Strengthen Australia’s Security and Mitigate Against Threats

As terrorist acts set out to cause maximum impact, crowded places and symbolic sites are the choice of location for a potential attack. Places where hundreds, if not thousands are congregated at any given time, that represents the agenda of radicalists and is deemed symbolic are now at an increased threat risk since the increasing of our National Threat Level.

Things that can be done to mitigate against potential attacks from occurring include:

• Engage with a security consultant and perform a risk assessment.
• Review your current security posture to see if upgrades are required.
• Understand your threat landscape.
• Reduce the reliance of human intervention and incorporate physical security solutions such as security doors.
• Review emergency evacuation plans to ensure there is a clear exit strategy if faced with a hostile person.
• Communicate your security procedures with all staff and ensure precautions are taken in even the smallest of tasks.
• Monitor regular activity and report anything suspicious.
• Review and upgrade your access control systems to avoid hostile individuals from gaining entry.
• Incorporate a range of protection methods such as hostile vehicle mitigation, high security entry systems, asset protection and entrance controls.

In Conclusion

As world events continue and local acts continue to rapidly escalate, incorporating security into everything we do is a must. Revisiting your security posture and implementing more impactful solutions to mitigate against threats is vital. Locations such as crowded places, places of worship, educational facilities, Government locations and iconic sites must have adequate security measures in place as this could be the determining factor to mitigating an attack.

Gunnebo Australia have extensive experience working with High Risk sites to incorporate an enhanced security posture. If you have concerns about your security, please contact us to discuss.