New! – Volume 23: Issue 6

The potential for small Un-manned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), commonly referred to as drones, to be weaponized by terrorists poses a substantial threat to US homeland security. More accessible than ever, drones can and have been used by terrorists to bomb and surveil targets overseas. Recent incidents demonstrate it is probable terrorists will do the same on US soil. While US authorities have recognized this threat, the ability of sUAS to circumvent security measures, coupled with outdated laws, leaves the US vulnerable to an attack.

Lone wolf terror attacks are on the rise in the United States and around the globe; because terror organizations have been encouraging these attacks, the United States must take a different approach to counter this type of extremism. Rather than coming closer to countering these attacks in recent years, the United States and the rest of the world has faced an increase in lone wolf terrorism. Research funded by the Department of Justice found that since 2010 there have been more successful lone wolf attacks in the United States than in any prior decade going back to the 1950s.

U S. counterterrorism policy has been effective at cutting off funding to extremist Islamic organizations, but continued research and development of financial warfare tactics and regulation is essential to keep pace with the rising threats from low-budget, radicalized Western actors. Terrorist operations necessitate dependable revenue streams from illicit activities and sponsorships to carry out attacks, expand territory claims, and attract and retain followings of loyal soldiers.