Researchers Devise a Computer Programme to Predict Terrorist Attacks
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Author:
Sidrah Zaheer
Tags:
computational analysis computerised programmes counter-terrorism counter-terrorism strategy fighting terrorism Lashkar-e-Taiba LeT Let activities national security Scientific American scientific programmes security in Pakistan terrorism in Pakistan terrorist groups terrorist organisations University of Maryland
According to an article in Scientific American, researchers at the University of Maryland have created a comprehensive computational analysis of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) activities. This information can be applied to predict future attacks by the terrorist group. The researchers said that they used similar analytic technologies to data mining analytics commonly used by Amazon and other such services to tell them about customer activities.
The project is called the Computational Analysis of Terrorist Groups: Lashkar-e-Taiba. It used 20 years of activities of the terrorist group and there were 770 variables which were updated monthly. The source of the information of their activity came from news articles and scholarly publications on terrorism in South Asia. Through all this computational analysis the researchers tried to determine the factors under which LeT’s attacks occurred. They also considered what other types of terror strikes are used in geopolitical situations, what proxy terrorist groups LeT can use, and other such factors.
If more of such computational analysis can be made on activities of other banned terrorist groups, then the government can receive a lot of help in dealing with the crisis. The researchers had laid out possible situations which predict targets of LeT and locations as well as timing. Such places as public spots, tourist areas, transportation centres, security installations and other significant places can come under their attack.
Pakistan government must upgrade their efforts against terrorism on scientific and technological grounds too, just like the researchers at Maryland University have tried to. This way, the enemies can be outsmarted and innocent lives saved. There is also a need for a Cyber Security Unit within the intelligence community in Pakistan and there must be a branch of scientific and computerized programmes to counter terrorism.
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