Black Widows
Black Widows is a terrorist organization, comprised of the organized female suicide bombers. Geographical region for this terroristic cell is generally limited by the Chechen republic, whereas recruiting of the individuals to the group is done through religious pressure and direction of personal anger, such as desire to revenge for the loss of family or close people.
The nature of the attacks committed and prepared by Black Widows are very open and, therefore, do not target investment in avoiding detectors. In the vast majority of the attacks suicide bombers explode as soon as they are detected by the law enforcement structure, which makes them very difficult to prevent and control.
Group operates under strict hierarchical control of generally female leader that serves as a guide and leader in the process of “suicide recruitment’ for the terroristic cell. Additional support comes from the leaders of the Chechen resistance, such as Shamyl Basaev and other known terrorists, responsible for bombings and mass attacks in Eastern Europe. Funding of the group in the majority of cases is the result of the abduction and extortion in which group members indulge to get the necessary financial means for the terroristic acts. Some of the funding comes directly from political leaders supporting the movement, but not being directly linked to the Black Widow organization (Wittaker, 2013).
Material supplies and purchase operations are generally effective as the concentration of the Black Widow base is always in the hot spots, where military supply is always available. With that, the cell is able to ensure fast provision of the material for the hand-made bombs that are used by recruits during suicide attacks.
As such, Black Widow cell is extremely difficult to identify in the standard surveillance operation, as it asset-light and fast moving operation. The objective of the law enforcement groups is complicated further by lack of organizational structure and clearly defined objective of the group, as the group is driven by bling revenge for the violence and death of relatives and close people. Material funding and purchase operations in Chechen republic, however, are one of the ways in which the government is able to make a step ahead of this terrorist group.
References
Black Widow (2003) ‘Black Widow. Incidents and Statements Involving Black Widow: 2013, 2004-2013’. Retrieved 8 January, 2014. http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/blackbw.HTM
Whittaker, D. (2013) ‘Terrorism. Understanding the Global Threat. New York: Routledge Publishing. Print
