US must prepare for al Qaeda’s next target: trains

The Islamic State might appear to be on the brink after the latest counter terror operations in Raqqa and Mosul, but there isn’t much to cheer about yet. Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in the latest edition of its propaganda magazine “Inspire” might have turned the worst of the fears into reality, and this time around, it isn’t about the “J.V. Team.”

The editorial by Yahya Ibrahim states: “We present to you the 17th issue of Inspire, devoted to targeting trains, specifically by derailing them from the tracks using a simple tool. And for the first time we present to you a simple way in designing this derail tool. If implemented, it can greatly affect and damage the enemy in multiple ways.”

{mosads}AQAP has called on the fighters and supporters of the group to launch attacks on trains in Europe and the U.S. The operation has meticulously been termed as “Train Derail Operations.” The latest of the magazine provides ways to wreak havoc on trains and urges the militants to focus on railway networks, instead of airlines, which continue to beef up security measures.

In addition to the sleek cover of the magazine, the editors have made sure to get the point across as comprehensively as they can. Three modes of attack have been described. First, the militants can target the train, from either inside or outside. The second method that has been enunciated calls for derailing the rail itself, which will eventually derail the train. The third strategy that has been put forth by AQAP is to assault and disrupt the train stations, thereby, causing consternation and panic at the station, and to achieve maximum results.

The 97-page magazine goes on to explain each of the methods in extreme detail. There’s a detailed guide on how to build an effective derail tool. The “Train Derail Operations” specifically highlights that “lone mujahid” can focus on any of the three, i.e. “Urban Rail Transit,” “Regional Trains,” and “Inter-city trains.”

They seem to have done their homework. The author of the main article of the magazine writes:

“Railways extend across America, and there are 10,000 daily express trains operating throughout the country transporting different loads and freights. Therefore, 95% of trains’ economic income come from freight transportation not passengers. Most railways and train movement are concentrated in the Eastern states, where the population density is too high. And on a daily bases, over 3.5 million U.S. passengers use train transportation.”

In terms of designing the derail tool, the magazine has listed six stages, which are graphically explained. In order to not leave any traces, the magazine states: “We will keep away from using any electronic tools or tools that are specially used in construction, this is so as to remove any traces for suspicion.”

The magazine also lists down the advantages of using such a weapon. It is “easy to design” and “easy to hide.” The operation “can be repeated” as it is not a “martyrdom op.” It can have significant “impact on the economy.” By using this method, “the enemy is confused and disoriented with this new kind of attack.” And, “the security agencies will be puzzled and confused” as a result of such operations.

It seems as if al Qaeda is working towards regaining its lost glory, all but covertly. The magazine also contains text from Hamza Usama bin Laden, the son of al Qaeda’s former spearhead. It is titled: “Advice for martyrdom seekers in the West.”

Throughout the magazine, one thing is manifestly prominent, it is the promotion of “Lone Jihad.” In terms of propagation of such type of warfare, the magazine adds: “The Lone Jihad has proven its effectiveness and ability to repel aggression.”

The editors of the magazine admit that it might not be possible by means of a conventional army to defeat strong armies such as that of the U.S., but “as for Lone Jihad operations, they are within the realm of possibility.”

The latest issue of Inspire also includes a detailed interview with Sheikh Abu Mus’ab Abdul-Wadood, the emir of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). He stressed in the interview the need for “lone” jihadist attacks. “This method of Jihad is one of the modes of conflict between us and the West — something both new and old — a way of hemming in the enemy and breaking its strength, and this mode of asymmetrical warfare was pioneered by our predecessors centuries ago,” he says.

One thing is for certain. Ayman Al-Zawahiri, the leader of al Qaeda since 2011, and his comrades would surely be relishing the apparent socio-political discord in the United States after the Charlottesville incident. Incidents like these provide the breathing space the outfits such as al Qaeda are in desperate need of.

From a purely counterterrorism perspective, the latest threat by al Qaeda shouldn’t be doubted. Any group that spreads hatred, knowingly or unknowingly, should understand that international terrorist organizations prosper when those differences that are sorted out on streets. With the callous attack in Barcelona, it is evident that the threat is far from diminished and that al Qaeda has done all the homework it needs.

It’s time for U.S. citizens to step up and shed the “alt-right” and “alt-left” ideologies in order to deny al Qaeda even the slightest of chance of infiltrating society with their ideology.

Shazar Shafqat is a counterterrorism and security analyst for the Middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor and others. His research focuses on South Asian security, Middle East politics and security issues, counterterrorism strategies, and military-related affairs. His commentary has been published by World Policy Journal, Asia Times and RealClearDefense, among others.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.