The resurgence of ISIS is a threat to the West, as evidenced by a surge in investigations and arrests in Canada, including youths who are increasingly being radicalized through social media and messaging platforms. The involvement of young individuals in ISIS-related terrorism is on the rise, with minors as young as 15 being arrested for plotting attacks in cities like Ottawa and Toronto. Online platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and gaming platforms like Minecraft and Roblox play a significant role in connecting these individuals with extremist propaganda and recruiters.
The global structure created by ISIS after losing its territories in Syria and Iraq has allowed the terror group to regroup and continue its operations in different parts of the world, with franchises in places like Afghanistan and Africa. ISIS has been able to expand its reach and attract new followers through online propaganda spread by influencers and through attacks in countries like Russia and Iran. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has also fueled ISIS’s desire to inspire attacks in Western countries and attract radicalized individuals to join their cause.
The trend of youths being radicalized at a younger age is alarming, with many cases involving individuals under 21 years old. Parents are being advised to monitor the online activities of their children and be aware of the potential dangers of certain gaming and social media platforms. Law enforcement agencies like the RCMP are working with community groups to identify and intervene with individuals who are at risk of radicalization. For minors, intervention strategies are used as an alternative to charging them, with the goal of preventing them from becoming involved in terrorist activities.
Recent ISIS-related cases in Canada, including the Chicken Land shooting in Mississauga, highlight the increase in terrorist activities within the country. Attacks like the one at Chicken Land and other incidents involving radicalized individuals show that ISIS remains a persistent threat, despite being weakened after losing its territories in Syria and Iraq. The continued online dissemination of propaganda by ISIS and the recruitment of individuals through social media platforms indicate that the terror group is still active and has the potential to inspire attacks in the West.
The involvement of youths in ISIS-related terrorism is a growing concern, with many suspects being radicalized in a short period of time through online propaganda and messaging platforms. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has further fueled ISIS’s desire to inspire attacks, with propaganda calling for the targeting of Jews. Efforts by law enforcement agencies to intervene and prevent radicalization among young individuals are ongoing, with a focus on early identification and engagement with at-risk individuals. The use of peace bonds, monitoring, and other interventions are part of the strategy to prevent individuals from carrying out terrorist attacks.
