CBRN Threats and Incidents Involving Non-State Actors - 2018 Annual Report
Publish date: 2019-11-29
Report number: FOI-R--4812--SE
Pages: 32
Written in: English
Keywords:
- non-state actors
- terrorism
- crime
- bioterrorism
- CBRN
- threat assessment
- annual report
Abstract
This annual report has been produced by a research group at FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency), within the framework of a grant from the Swedish Ministry of Defence. The report's aim is to assess the threat posed by non-state actors' use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials (CBRN) that can cause adverse effects on society. Its content is based solely on open source information and includes a selection of incidents that occurred in 2018. In recent years, the main source of concern for terrorist attacks with toxic materials has been linked primarily to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Daesh). Daesh military capability, which included a capacity to produce and use rudimentary chemical warfare agents, has been considerably reduced. However, there are concerns that Daesh still has the knowledge and intention to develop and use chemical weapons. This ability could also be used to initiate attacks outside the conflict area, by sending guidance and instructions via encrypted communication. Jihadists' interest in using toxic materials in attacks against the West is continuously manifested through web forums, telegram channels, and other social media applications. As in previous years, 2018 was also characterized by the fact that, around the world, various forms of dangerous materials were used with malicious intention.