In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday massacre in Sri Lanka, a counterterrorism expert has warned that radical Islamic terrorism is spreading beyond the Middle East and increasingly targeting Christians.
Bobby Chacon, a retired FBI special agent and counterterrorism expert, spoke on “Fox & Friends,” highlighting that violence against Christians on significant religious holidays is not a new phenomenon. However, he emphasized that the ideology fueling these attacks is becoming more widespread. “It’s another sign that the Middle East is not the sole source of these attacks and that we’ll see more of these attacks in places where we’ve seen relative stability,” Chacon stated. He urged affected countries to address the issue proactively, saying, “These countries need to get a grip on it.”
Chacon’s comments followed the devastating attacks in Sri Lanka, where nearly 300 people were killed and hundreds more injured in bombings targeting churches and hotels. The attacks were reportedly carried out by the local militant group National Thowheek Jaamath, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects.
Chacon also suggested the possibility of external support for the attacks. “I would not be surprised if the investigation determines that there was significant assistance coming from groups outside that country to support an operation like this. It was a very coordinated, very planned – this small, local group in Sri Lanka, while it could have carried out an attack like this – I doubt that they did so without material support from outside.”
He further claimed that many attacks on Christians are underreported. You can watch the latest video at foxnews.com.
The Sri Lanka bombings occurred shortly after ISIS claimed responsibility for its first attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of three Congolese soldiers and injuries to five others. Terrorist manuals were reportedly discovered on the bodies of the fighters.
“In areas where there is already civil wars or certain civil dissent going on,” Chacon concluded, “it’s a hotbed for them to take advantage of the dissent that’s already happening to spread their ideology.” This highlights the vulnerability of regions experiencing internal conflict to the influence and expansion of terrorist groups.
Radical Islamic terrorism continues to pose a significant threat globally, requiring constant vigilance and proactive measures to counter its spread and protect vulnerable populations. The need for international cooperation and intelligence sharing is paramount in addressing this evolving threat. The importance of armed church security is also highlighted by these events.
Easter evidence is often overlooked in the wake of such tragedies, but it remains a cornerstone of Christian faith. The Middle East continues to be a focal point of instability.