Re-examination of security an urgent task to counter terrorism

A trio of perpetrators blew themselves up, one after another, after firing at random in the airport. Turkish authorities are investigating the case, suspecting it was an act of terrorism by Russian combatants belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group. We want to see the picture of the entire incident clarified as early as possible to help prevent a recurrence of similar terrorist attacks.

Entering an international airport under tight security disguised as passengers and blowing themselves up is the same modus operandi that was employed in the terror attack by ISIL in Brussels in March.

How can attacks by terrorists best be stopped when they carry concealed guns and bombs and take taxis to the airport? Re-examining security arrangements is an urgent task common to all nations.

Two years ago, ISIL unilaterally declared the establishment of a “state” centering on Iraq and Syria. ISIL had expanded the sphere of its influence with abundant funds raised through acts such as illicit sales of crude oil. But signs of its weakening have emerged of late.

Iraqi government troops recaptured Fallujah, a key strategic point in central Iraq, from ISIL in late June. Air raids by the US-led coalition have proven successful. As a result, ISIL has reportedly lost 45 per cent of the areas it had controlled in Iraq, and 20 per cent in Syria.

In collaboration with Iraqi forces and Kurdish troops in Syria, the coalition nations need to reinforce operations for the purpose of recapturing Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, two major remaining strongholds of ISIL.

 

Turkey’s role crucial

It is expected that ISIL, in an inferior position, may activate terrorism in Europe and the United States in a bid to raise its profile around the world. The countries concerned must join hands and share information.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has softened his diplomatic stance of late. This will be useful from the viewpoint of tightening the noose around ISIL. Erdogan has sent a letter of apology to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the downing of a Russian warplane last November, thereby opening the way for the improvement of bilateral relations through such steps as Russia’s lifting of economic sanctions. Turkey has also agreed with Israel to normalize relations for the first time in six years and bolster cooperation on anti-terror measures.

Erdogan has come under criticism for his high-handed political style and suppression of speech. Regarding strategy vis-a-vis ISIL, some have criticised his passive stance and disarray with the United States. Given the slackening of the economy caused by a sharp drop in the number of tourists in the wake of repeated terrorist attacks, Erdogan, it may be said, has embarked on a path toward ending isolation.

Turkey, which borders Syria, plays a pivotal role in preventing the inflow of foreign combatants into ISIL-controlled areas and dealing with the refugee issue. It is imperative to stabilise Turkey’s domestic situation and foreign relations.