The Threat of the Hybrid Lone Wolf
The news of the devastating terrorist attack in Orlando hit Americans like a ton of bricks. That’s because we place such high value on human life and we cherish the freedom and security associated with living in America.
As a former Army Intelligence Officer and law enforcement intelligence operative I have combated terrorism in the Middle East and domestically. I know that Lone Wolf terrorists will collect what they perceive as “Injustices” throughout their lives and ultimately launch a devastating attack in response. I have coined a term to label the Islamic State motivated Lone Wolf, I call them the “Hybrid Lone Wolf”. These individuals share many traits of the conventional Lone Wolf such as collecting perceived injustices and often having problematic lives. The Hybrid Lone Wolf, however, is different because although they act independently, they are the target of a very effective and professional recruiting mechanism. Dabiq magazine is Islamic State’s digital recruiting and information sharing tool. It far surpasses Al Qaeda’s Inspire magazine in it’s effectiveness and it has the primary purpose of inspiring people like Omar Mateen to commit horrific acts like the one that just occurred in Orlando. With such a powerful and direct influence by such a professional organization I think the distinction must be made between the traditional Lone Wolf and what Islamic State has created with its distorted message and aggressive recruiting methods.
Until we fully understand the dynamic between Islamic State and its would be followers, we will never be able to effectively limit these devastating attacks. Local and State authorities must truly partner with the FBI and other federal agencies to monitor social networks, identify at risk individuals and launch intervention operations. This must of course be done simultaneously with an aggressive military campaign targeting the Islamic State on the battlefield. As our enemy utilizes new methods of attacking us, we must be able to constantly adjust our defensive and offensive operations. As we’ve learned time and time again, our very lives depend on it.
