Special Purpose Islamic Regiment
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Introduction
Terrorism is not a new phenomenon as it has existed for a few decades now. Terrorism is simply defined as the use of violence and terror acts to inflict fear, coerce and intimidate civilians or the governments in power. Terrorism is carried out by different political movements, whether in right or left wings, religious, social, nationalists, revolutionary groups as well as governments[1] . Different movements and groups use terrorism attacks with the aim of attaining their objectives and gaining publicity. In order to achieve their political, religious and social goals, terrorism movements resort in using violence coupled with terror activities on non combat civilians and governments.
John Locke argues that political and social movements have the legal right to remove tyrannical government or “governments in force” through the use of armed rebellion[2]. This fact has created a contentious debate on how terrorism should be distinguished from movements that legitimately employ violence in rebellion. The confusing in the definition of terrorism has been ironed out through the use of normative terms such as rebellion, partisan war, insurrection and guerrilla[3] . These words are commonly associated with social, political and religious movements resisting western ideologies and advocating for certain goals in a country. However, governments opposing ideas and opinions raised by such movements use terms such as bandits, thugs and even terrorists to criminalize movements operations. This has been the trend for many years thus creating a rift between legitimate social movements and terrorism organizations. Scholars and researches admit that there is an inconsistency in the definition of the term terrorism and most states capitalizes in this aspect to politicize and undermine the legitimacy of social and political movements.
However, in the last few years, the number of terrorism attacks experienced in the world has increased steadily. This move has raised a concern both from the public and the internationally community geared towards containing the vice[4]. Majority of these terror attacks are well planned and mainly targets non Islamic states such as United States, United Kingdom and Britain to name but a few. It has been affirmed that terrorism groups not only target Western nations such as United States and the like but, also nations affiliated to them. Additionally, even Islamic nations have not been spared either, since several terrorism attacks have been experienced in Middle East and parts of Asian[5]. This is a clear indication that terrorism is not either a national or regional affair but, a global concern.
Following a high number of terrorism attacks experienced in the recent past, nations across the globe have formulated and enacted anti terrorism policies. This move has lead to the establishment of “war on terror” campaigns initiated by United States and other western nations[6]. Both Nato and other non-Nato countries received the ant terrorism campaign positively; an idea that has lowered terrorism attacks a immense deal. However, much need to be done to wipe out terrorism activities in the face of the world.
The global war on terror campaign was aggravated further following the 11th September, 2001, bombing of the World Centre twin towers in America. The investigation affirmed that eighteen men with close association with al-Qaeda group had hijacked two American jets and, crashed them on Trade world Centre and Pentagon building simultaneous. The eighteen men died on the stop while more than 3,000 people had severe injuries. The US government linked al-Qaeda terror organization with the attack and declared war on terror. At terrorisms, military group was established and mandated with the obligation of fighting against designated terrorist organizations and regimes that either supported and have associations with terrorist groups or perceived to jeopardize US government efforts in the global war on terror[7]. However, the fight against terrorism cannot be won through the use of armed force but, through imposing ideological changes.
Al-Qaeda is one of terrorism group that is widely known for terrorism attacks world. However, this does not mean that it is the only terrorism organization in the world. There are other terrorism organizations organizing terrorism activities in different parts of the world. One such terror group is the Special Purpose Islamic Regiment denoted as (SPIR). Special Purpose Islamic Regiment also known as Islamic Regiment of Special Meaning, Al-Jihad-Fisi-Sabililah Special Islamic Regiment was invented in 1966 and executes it terror attacks in Russia, Georgia and Chechen[8]. According to a report released by United States Department of Defence (2004) the group was listed among the leading terror organizations in the world.
This paper comprehensively analysis the origins, motivations, methods and political achievements of Special Purpose Islamic Regiment movement.
Discussion
Organization history
Special Islamic Regiment movement has been in operation for almost two decades. It was founded in 1966 when Russia and Chechen were fighting. The cause of the inter war started during the 1990 when Chechen obtained its independence as a sovereign state and seceded from the Soviet Union, which Russia was a member[9]. In 1992, Chechen organized a referendum where it was approved as an independent state. Dzhokar Dudayev was elected as the first President of the republic of Chechen. In the same year, Russian Federation replaced Soviet Union after the dissolution. However, President Dzhokar Dudayev rejected signing a treaty with Russian federation; an idea that fuelled conflicts among the two states. In 1994, Russian troops attacked Grozny; the capital city of Chechen where tens of thousands of civilians died and hundreds of thousands were injured. In order to counter attack Russian troops, terrorist’s movement in Chechen controlled most areas in the mountainous region and continued attacking Russia using terrorist acts. In 1996, Russia declared defeat and left Chechnya state to rule itself[10].
Special Purpose Islamic Regiment was formed to fight for liberation of Chechnya from colonial master and establishment of Chechen state[11]. This was the main objective behind the formation of SPIR. However, aware of resistance from Chechnya government, Arbi Barayev formed close association with other resistance organizations in Chechen that shared similar ideologies with SPIR. In order to strengthen the SPIR operations, Arbi Barayev forged alliances with foreign Islamic movements; facts that enable SPIR expand its operations and defeat Russian troops[12] . This move paved a way to Islamic militants who started streaming into the country. The Islamic militants commonly referred as Mujahideen had a close links with terrorism financers who lived in other countries. The motivation of Islamic fighters was not only to liberation of Chechnya, but to spread Islamic ideologies in Chechen[13]. Their aspiration was geared towards creating a new Islamic state governed under the Sharia Law. In order to attain his objective and continue receiving financial support from terrorism financers, Arbi Barayev allowed the introduction of Islamic ideologies in Chechen.
At the struggle for independence continued other resistance groups realized that SPIR had started integrating Islamic Ideologies in its mission for independence. In order to spread Islamic ideologies, terrorism financers sent Amir al-Khattab who arrived in 1996 in Chechnya and funded terrorism movements in Moscow. He also proclaimed Osama Bin Laden mission of establishing one Muslim state that was to be governed under the Sharia Law[14]. Resistance movements including SPIR were taken to Afghanistan where they were trained and indoctrinated with Wahhabi and Islamic ideologies. Researches affirm that more than 1000 recruits were trained and learned Islamic ideologies hence spreading terrorism[15]. However, despite the high number of Muslims in Chechnya, terror movements such as SPIR have remained firm on their objective of establishing Chechen as an independent state.
Leadership is an imperative component in any terrorism organization, and SPIR is aware of this fact. Since its inception in 1996, SPIR has had seven commanders, who have died in subsequent terror attacks. Currently, SPIR is headed by Amir Kazbek who is considered a charismatic leader. Amir is determined in carrying further the organization core mission and removing Russian troops in Chechnya territory[16]. In the recent past, Amir has formed an alliance with other terror movements in Georgia, Ingushetia and Azerbaijan to help in fighting against Russian troops[17] . SPIR affirms that it will not be quelled by Russian threats and will continue to fight against Russian troops. In 2001, Arbi Barayev died, and Movsar Suleimanov (his nephew) was appointed to occupy that position. However, in 2000 Movsar was killed during the Moscow theatre terror attacks. In order to replace Movsar, Khanzat Tazabeyev was appointed to lead the organization. During his time, Khanzat was successful in managing and organizing several terror attacks against Russian troops but, died on 22rd February, 2004. Since the death of Khanzat in 2004 to 2006, three other leaders were killed before organizing a successful operation against Russian armed forces[18].
Funding
Every terrorism organization requires finance to enable it carry out its obligation. The SPIR organization uses different methods to obtain funds required in financing its operations. Some of the ways include; smuggling of drugs, illegal production and sale of petroleum products, stealing money from financial institutions, online money laundry, kidnapping and hostage people in exchange of money. Kidnapping and hostage are the common methods and mainly target people in high ranks in the government, prominent businessmen and politicians[19]. These are the only ways terrorism organizations obtain finance since they are not allowed to engage in business like other social and political movements.
Organization Motivations
Motivation is the key driving force behind establishment and development of varied terrorism groups in the world. It is also within the motivational facet that the goals, ideologies and objective of terrorism organization are formulated and implemented. Over the years, the motivation behind the emergence of terrorism organization revolved on three factors namely; political ideologies, religious ideologies and militant activism[20]. However, the conflict between Chechnya and Russia is grounded on the concept of ideology. The two states have varied ideological perspective which has widened the gap between them. In this case, SPIR wanted to secede from Russia and form a Chechen state. Liberations of Chechyna from Russia and establishment of Chechen were the main motivation behind SPIR movements. As nationalists and political –religious movement, SPIR advocated for both Political and Islamic ideologies in fighting against Russian government[21]. The movement was also formed to counteract excessive use of power from armed army on non combat civilians. It protected the rights for civilian using political and religious propaganda. As a terrorism organization, SPIR members wanted Sharia Law to govern Chechen as well as spread similar Islamic ideologies to other nations[22].
Financial support from terrorist financers played a role in motivating SPIR movements. The organization received colossal amount of money that was used in purchasing weapons, firearms and training SPIR members. The finance motivation fuelled group’s terrorism activities further Islamic ideologies.
Actions
Over the years, Special Purpose Islamic Regiment has been involved in several terror attacks in Russia, Georgia, Moscow and other parts in the region. SPIR is regarded one of the most notorious terrorism organization in the modern era. On 22rd October, 2000, the SPIR movement was responsible for organizing Moscow theatre attacks. In the attack, the SPIR managed to take more than 900 hostages. The group promised to kill all the hostages if the Russian government failed to meet the two demand raised by the organization[23]. First, the Russian government was ordered to remove its security personnel from Chechnya after seven days. Secondly, Russian state was to recognize and declare Chechen an independent state but this never happened.
During the Moscow hostage, Movsar who whose the organization leader and with other forty people, both men and women were killed by Alfa and Vympel Russian army. Movsar group together with other members from Chechen resistance movement were suffocated in suicide division using a chemical attack[24]. More than 130 hostages were also killed during the raid. In 2004, SPIR organized a revenge attack against Russian troops through raiding Grozny, where millions of property were destroyed and hundreds on non combat civilians killed and tens of thousands injured. The raid was headed by Yunadi Turchayev, who was a highly skilled fighter. On July 3rd 2006, SPIR fighters organized another attack on Russian Interior Ministry located in Chechen where they destroyed and burnt police files. Furthermore, the group attacked Russian guards and beaten them up. On 2nd August 2006, SPIR members raided on five Chechen Police officers beat them up and finally killing them. The five police officers were alleged to have concealed information concerning SPIR to the Russian army [25]. They were perceived as sympathizers to Russian troops.
On 1st September, 2004, SPIR rebels and headed by Shamil Basayev, killed more than 400 people including children, adults and security personnel. More than 1,400 non combat civilians were taken hostage in Beslan School number one. During the hostage, 25 men were killed when the Russian government failed to meet the demands of the group. However, the situation was later contained after Russian army intervened. In November, 2009, SPIR movement bombed a train travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg killing 30 people and more than 100 injured. On 4th March, 2010, SPIR organized a suicide bomb in Moscow subway killing forty three people. In January, 2011, a similar attack took place in Moscow airport killing 67 people on the spot and injuring more than 300 people.
Tactics Methods
Like any other terrorism group, SPIR uses different covert and semi covert tactics warfare when organizing its attacks. Tactics of attack can be grouped in two main categories namely; Regular or guerrilla and terrorists attack[26]. Regular or guerrilla attacks involve the use of suicide bombing, assassinations, extortion, hostage and kidnapping. Suicide bombing is one of the commonly used methods and has been used in several events. A clear example is the 2010 and 2011, Moscow bombing attacks. Majority of the suicide bombing attacks is carried out by female bombers and have claimed thousands of lives. Hostage of non combat civilians has been used by SPIR to coerce, intimidate and threaten Russian government. SPIR rebels raid given area and use hostage civilians to demand certain favours from the government in exchange of civilians. A clear example is the Moscow Hostage crisis where 800 people were hostage. All the SPIR tactics methods are carried under two wings. The first wing is obligated to focus only on the Russian army and other law enforcement agencies without including non combat civilians. The other wing, organizes terrorism attacks excluding civilians during the attack.
Conclusion
Terrorism is one of the most politicised and contested concepts in the modern era. It has existed for many years, but in the recent past, it has taken a new dimension. The number of terrorists attacks has increased steadily thus raising a concern from the public and the international community. The war of terror campaign was instituted in 2001 by US government to counteract terrorist’s attacks and ideologies. Non Nato nations supported the proposal and formulated ant terrorism policies. However, terrorism cannot be won through the use of armed military forces but, through advocating a paradigm shift on ideologies.
Several terrorism organizations exist today, but al-Qaeda is widely known globally, especially following the bombing of World Trade twin tower centre in 2001, NewYork. However, Special Purpose Islamic Regiment is another terrorism organization operating in Russia, Georgia and Chechnya. Since its inception in 1966, it has more than 1000 members, who include suicide bombers and SPIR fighters. Its main objective was to liberate Chechnya from Russian Federation and establish Chechen state. It also advocated for implementation of Sharia Law and other Islamic ideologies. The organization uses regular and guerrilla tactics in attacking Russian army as well as Chechen Sympathizers. It has taken part in several notorious activities such as the 2002 Moscow theatre hostage, Moscow train and airport bombing, hostage in Belsh School One and the recent attack on Grozny city in Russian, to name but a few. The SPIR has attained several achievements as they have staged a number of successive attacks towards Russian troops, but their dream is independence remains dented. SPIR finances its operation through drug trafficking, kidnapping and hostage people for ransom and flaunting financial institutions. Its motivation behind SPIR movement is to spread political and religious ideologies nationally, regionally and even globally. SPIR is a nationalist’s political-religious terrorism organization with close links with other terror groups.
List of references
Benjamin, D. (2001). The Age of Sacred Terror. London: McGrew Publishers, 2001.
Bergen, Peter L. (2001) Holy war, Inc.: inside the secret world of Osama bin Laden. New York: Free Press.
George, T. (2000). Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Reality and Ways Forward: New York, Prantice Publishers.
Brigitte Nacos (2006) ‘The Making of Terrorists: Causes, Conditions, Influences’ in Terrorism and Counterterrorism; New York: Pearson Longman; pp85-106
Chaliand, Gerard, (2007). The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda. Berkeley: University of California Press, p.227
Clarke, Richard, (2004). Against all enemies: inside America’s war on terror. New York: Free Press.
Coakley, J. (2003). The Territorial Management of Ethnic Conflict, 2nd ed: London, Practice Publishers.
Crenshaw, M., (2002). ‘The causes of terrorism’, Comparative Politics, vol. 13,
Defeating Terrorism: Shaping the New Security Environment, Connecticut: McGraw Hill,
Esposito, John (2002). Unholy war: terror in the name of Islam. New York: Oxford University Press.
Hoffman, Bruce (2001). Inside Terrorism. New York: Columbia University Press.
Laqueur, W., (2007). A History of Terrorism; London: New Brunswick, N.J.
Leonard Weinberg, Ami Dedahzuv and Sivan Hirsch-Hoether, (2004). ‘The Challenges of Conceptualising Terrorism’ Terrorism and Political Violence 16:4 pp.777-795
Levitt, Matthew (2007). Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad. Yale University Press.
Lewis, Bernard (2003). The crisis of Islam: holy war and unholy terror. Modern Library ed. New York: Modern Library.
Lustick, Ian (2006). Trapped in the War on Terror. Los Agles; University of Pennsylvania Press.
Marc Sageman,(2002) ‘The Jihadist’s Profile’ in Leaderless Jihad: NewYork, Routldge Publishers.
Mayer, Arnor (2000). The Furies: violence and terror in the French and Russian Revolutions: Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Michael Head,(2002) ‘“Counter-Terrorism” Laws: A Threat to Political Freedom, Civil Liberties and Constitutional Rights’ Melbourne University Law Review 26:3:pp.67-90.
Smith Robert (2003). Movements in the Middle East. New York, Albany, N.Y.
Ferdinard , Scott, (2005) “Religious imperative’, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, vol. 18, no. 4 Routledge: Abingdon.
Scott, J., Social Network Analysis: A Handbook, 2nd ed. Sage: London,
Soares, J. (2001), ‘Terrorism as ideology in international relations’, Journal of Peace Review, 3(5); pp.67-89.
Suthaharan N., and Dhananjayan S. ‘Liberation Struggle or terrorism? The politics of naming the LTTE’ . Third World Quarterly 26:1 pp87-100
Tishkov, V. (2007), Chechnya: Life in a War-Torn Society; University of California
vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 113–18.
Walter Laqueur (2001) ‘Terrorism Today I: Nationalism and Separatism’ in The Age of Terrorism,London, Practice Publisher.
Wayne A. Downing, “The Global on Terrorism: Focusing the National Strategy,” London; Walley Publications.
Williamson, Myra (2009). Terrorism, war and international law the legality of the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001. Farnham, England: Ashgate.
[1] Benjamin, D.(2007). The Age of Sacred Terror. London: McGrew Publishers, 2001.
[2] Chaliand, Gerard. The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda. Berkeley: University of California Press.
[3] George, T. (2000). Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Reality and Ways Forward: New York, Prantice Publishers.
[4] Brigitte Nacos (2006).The Making of Terrorists: Causes, Conditions, Influences’ in Terrorism and Counterterrorism; New York: Pearson Longman.
[5] Clarke, Richard (2004) A. Against all enemies: inside America’s war on terror. New York: Free Press.
[6] Soares, J. (2001). ‘Terrorism as ideology in international relations’, Journal of Peace Review, 3(5); pp.67-89.
[7] Coakley, J. (2003).The Territorial Management of Ethnic Conflict, 2nd ed: London, Practice Publishers.
[8] Suthaharan N., and Dhananjayan S. (1999). ‘Liberation Struggle or terrorism? The politics of naming the LTTE’ . Third World Quarterly 26:1 pp87-100
[9] Crenshaw, M., (2002) ‘The causes of terrorism’, Comparative Politics, vol. 13,
Defeating Terrorism: Shaping the New Security Environment, Connecticut: McGraw Hill.
[10] Hoffman, Bruce (2001). Inside Terrorism. New York: Columbia University Press.
[11] Wayne A. Downing(2004) “The Global on Terrorism: Focusing the National Strategy,” London; Walley Publications
[12] Laqueur, W. (2007), A History of Terrorism; London: New Brunswick, N.J.
[13] Tishkov, V.(2007)., Chechnya: Life in a War-Torn Society; University of California vol. 19, no.1,pp. 113–18, 2007
[14] Bergen, Peter (2001). Holy war, Inc.: inside the secret world of Osama bin Laden. New York: Free Press.
[15] Leonard Weinberg, Ami Dedahzuv and Sivan Hirsch-Hoether,(2004) ‘The Challenges of Conceptualising Terrorism’ Terrorism and Political Violence 16:4: pp.777-795
[16] Esposito, John, (2002). Unholy war: terror in the name of Islam. New York: Oxford University Press.
[17] Levitt, Matthew (2007). Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad. Yale University Press.
[18] Lewis, Bernard (2003). The crisis of Islam: holy war and unholy terror. Modern Library. New York: Modern Library.
[19] Ferdinard, Scott, (2005) “Religious imperative’, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, vol. 18, no. 4 Routledge: Abingdon.
[20] Lustick, Ian (2006). Trapped in the War on Terror. Los Agles; University of Pennsylvania Press.
[21] Walter Laqueur,(2001) ‘Terrorism Today I: Nationalism and Separatism’ in The Age of Terrorism.London, Prantice Publisher.
[22] Marc Sageman (2002) ‘The Jihadist’s Profile’ in Leaderless Jihad: NewYork, Routldge Publishers.
[23] Mayer, Arnor,(2000). The Furies: violence and terror in the French and Russian Revolutions: Princeton: Princeton University Press.
[24] Williamson, Myra (2009). Terrorism, war and international law the legality of the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001. Farnham, England: Ashgate.
[25] Michael Head, 2002 ‘“Counter-Terrorism” Laws: A Threat to Political Freedom, Civil Liberties and Constitutional Rights’ Melbourne University Law Review 26:3:pp.78-90.
[26] Smith Robert (2003). Movements in the Middle East. New York, Albany, N.Y.