NIS: "Far-right and hate-based terrorism spreading this year... Concerns over terrorism targeting Korean citizens"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has presented a forecast that far-right and hate-driven terrorism could spread globally this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged economic recession. It also expressed concerns about potential harm to Korean nationals residing overseas.

On the 14th, the NIS announced that it distributed the booklet titled "2021 International Terrorism Situation Assessment and 2022 Outlook" to government ministries, metropolitan governments, public institutions, and private companies.

Until now, the NIS has provided this booklet annually only to related agencies, but this year, as part of expanding information services, it also disclosed key contents on its website for Korean companies operating abroad and travelers.

The NIS presented five forecasts regarding the terrorism situation this year in the booklet. First, with the reduction of global counterterrorism efforts by the U.S. and others, ISIS (Islamic State), Al-Qaeda, and similar groups may plan large-scale terrorist attacks to rebuild their organizations in the Middle East and Africa, engaging in aggressive activities.

Second, it predicted that 'lone wolf' type terrorism by individuals not affiliated with terrorist organizations will continue. Existing terrorist groups are strengthening media warfare, and the prolonged pandemic may increase the emergence of lone wolf terrorists.

The spread of far-right and hate-driven terrorism is also anticipated. The NIS diagnosed that hatred toward specific groups, intensified by the pandemic and prolonged recession, is increasingly leading to terrorism, such as Korean nationals overseas being targeted by 'Asian hate' attacks.

Fourth, kidnapping crimes in regions with unstable security are expected to persist. The NIS explained that terrorist groups in certain parts of Africa and Latin America may attempt kidnappings to raise funds, requiring special attention to the safety of Korean nationals such as domestic seafarers and missionaries in those areas. Lastly, it predicted that 'terrorism' will be used as a key means in 'hybrid warfare.' It also anticipates the sophistication of terrorism planning and execution methods, including fundraising through virtual currencies.

Additionally, the NIS explained that although no direct terrorist incidents by international terrorist groups occurred domestically last year, various terrorism threats have surfaced, including ▲the arrest and sentencing of suspects involved in terrorist financing, ▲online propaganda support and incitement activities by some foreign nationals residing in Korea, and ▲the kidnapping of Korean nationals in West African maritime areas and Haiti.

The NIS warned, "As the diversity of foreign nationals residing domestically increases due to illegal immigrants and immigration inflows, and online influence grows with the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist groups and their followers are focusing on inciting terrorism and fundraising activities (exploiting virtual currencies) through social media, meaning Korea is not exempt from terrorism risks."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.