TerrorismSri Lankan terrorists: An example of family-affiliated terrorism

Published 1 May 2019

A researcher recently published a book, Family Terror Networks, which addresses the phenomenon of family-linked terrorism, offering insight into the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, which killed nearly 300 people and injured more than 500 others and included attackers and cell members from several family terror networks, including two sets of brothers, as well as a husband and wife.

Western Illinois University Homeland Security Professor and terrorism expert Dean C. Alexander recently published a book, Family Terror Networks, which addresses the phenomenon of family-linked terrorism (for example, ISIS families, the Boston Marathon bombers, and the San Bernardino terrorists) and its implications, and provides insight into detecting and undermining this increasingly prominent feature of extremism.

The recent terror attacks in Sri Lanka are the latest example of family-affiliated mass casualty terrorist incidents. Alexander said such terror networks must be countered with proper tools. One must comprehend the nature and features of family-affiliated terrorism; and simultaneously apply a six-stage model to predict the formation of possible family terror networks. Alexander’s book provides the tools to achieve these goals.

The book discusses the characteristics of family terror networks and chronicles case studies involving various kin relationships (for example, brothers, husbands/wives and fathers/sons) embracing disparate extremist ideologies. Additionally, an analysis of the 118 case studies of family connected terrorism, involving 138 examples of kin relationships, is shared. Alexander noted the 138 family ties discussed in the cases involved fairly equal numbers of husbands/wives (43/138 or 31 percent) and brothers (36/138 or 26 percent). These results are attributable to the bonds that coalesce during courtship and marriage. The frequency of brothers in this volume underscores the potency of sibling relationships, as well as the higher frequency of male participation in terrorism over females. Three other sources of family-terror connections contributed about 25 percent of such instances, namely: fathers/sons (15/138 cases or 10.87 percent), cousins (11/138 cases or 7.97 percent), and siblings (other than sister-sister, brother-brother) (9/138 cases or 6.52 percent).

WIU notes that overwhelmingly, jihadism was the ideology connected to the 118 instances of families affiliated with terrorism that were analyzed. Jihadism was found in 85 percent of the cases with other precepts occurring comparatively rarely (15 percent). The non-jihadists associated with kin terrorism were aligned with mostly right-wing radicalism (for example, sovereign citizens, militia and white supremacy).

The book proposes a six-stage model for predicting the formation of family terror networks. At Stage 1, a family member (F1) is exposed to a radical ideology and supports a movement associated with this extremist tenet. During Stage 2, the family member (F1) approaches another family member (F2) or multiple family members (F3–4) about the possibility of following the extremist ideology. At Stage 3, a family member (F2) or multiple family members (F3–4) accept, accept with reservations, or reject the extremist tenets of their family member.

In Stage 4, several options are conceivable. F1 takes part in a terrorist act or otherwise supports the movement. F1 and F2 carry out a terrorist attack or support the movement. Alternatively, F1 and F2 may leave extremism. Another path affords either F1 or F2 to remain enthralled by radicalism while the other’s support ends. F3/F4 may follow any of the paths of F1/F2.

During Stage 5, assuming F2 has left radicalism (or never accepted it initially), F2 may try to directly influence F1 to leave radicalism or indirectly do so by reaching out for aid from others (for example, law enforcement, religious and civic communities, friends, etc.). Alternatively, assuming F1 has left radicalism, F1 may pursue efforts to dislodge F2 from extremism along the same path mentioned in this stage. At Stage 6, F1 may decide to: leave extremism, protest F2’s efforts, leave the premises (assuming they live together), cease communications with F2, attack F2 or pursue other actions. Alternatively, F2 may decide to follow the same path mentioned in this stage.

Family terror networks are likely to remain prevalent for the foreseeable future. Belief systems advocating political violence exist in some families. It is natural to share enthusiasm about newly found ideology, including extremist tenets, with easily swayed family members. The ability of family members to pressure others to support extremism remains strong.

Among Alexander’s other books are The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate Without Borders and Business Confronts Terrorism.