AMU Intelligence Terrorism

Yet Another Amateur Attempt at Terrorism

By William Tucker

Another U.S. citizen was arrested today for plotting to attack the Pentagon and other targets in Washington D.C. The individual, Rezwan Ferdaus, was arrested in Boston by the FBI following an undercover investigation. Mr. Ferdaus allegedly tried to assist al-Qaeda in attacks on U.S. soldiers overseas. According to reports, Ferdaus was a physics graduate of Northeastern University and was plotting to engage in ‘Jihad’ since 2010.

Unlike recent amateur attempts, Ferdaus actually designed cell phone detonators and supplied these to uncover agents. Several recent cases involving amateur terrorists have seen these undercover agents provide weapons and explosives to those plotting attacks. That being said, Ferdaus actually shares something in common with his amateur brethern – he was radicalized via the internet. Ultimately, the isolation of al-Qaeda prime and the associated affiliates have led to a rise in amateur attempts at terrorism in the U.S. This trend is likely to continue in the near term.

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