The ‘Wannabe’ Lone Wolf attackers: A medal of 'Islamic' honor is offered via martyrdom.

The ‘Wannabe’ Lone Wolf attackers: A medal of 'Islamic' honor is offered via martyrdom. (Jasmine Opperman). (TRAC).

The Nice attack – by the driver of a truck who ploughed through a festive crowd – introduced another face to the world of terrorism: The “wannabe” that seeks instantaneous recognition and credentials.

Bouhlel’s behaviour ranged from nervous breakdowns to domestic violence, with little interest or adherence to a religious lifestyle. Exposure to extremist ideology did not need an intense religious schooling or attending a training programme, the call to action was sufficient in enabling a quick radicalisation. An added concern: Bouhel did not need arms and weapons: a truck was enough to kill more people than recent attacks in France.

The Nice attack by so doing has introduced another face to the world of terrorism: the “wannabe” that seeks instantaneous recognition and credentials. The “wannabe” might have missed out on a life in the Caliphate or a training camp in Yemen or Somalia, but that does make them more dangerous, more immediate and more unpredictable.

The Islamic State claim to credit for the attack referred to Bouhlel as an Islamic Fighter, and thereby introduced a generation of fighters that do not need in-depth religious radicalisation process, a fighter that seeks redemption or executes attacks driven by individual frustrations. A fighter that is caught up in a mixture of personal problems, criminality, grievances and offered a quick solution to 'redemption'. A person that will gain recognition as a fighter simply by executing an attack: a medal of honour is offered via martyrdom.

The Islamic State inspires these attacks with little leverage and control, and this serves the group’s purpose. They need blood on their hands, they need to re-enforce their leadership position within the extremist Jihadist world no matter what it takes. Media attention following an attack for the Islamic State is never seen as negative – it supports its continuous search for attention that will support its own inflated propaganda message of a global reach and ability to kill.

In May 2015, the Islamic State’s spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, released a statement in which the “wannabe” fighter has been called to action:

What's the chances of Lone wolf attacks in South Africa? Read the full story here.

ISIS supporters have put together a handbook: "Lone Wolf Terrorism For Dummies".

ISIS supporters have put together a handbook: "Lone Wolf Terrorism For Dummies". (Vocativ).

Jihadi wannabes inspired by the Islamic State’s brand of religious fervor and brutal violence can now train like an ISIS militant from the comfort of their own home.

ISIS fans have surpassed their prior attempts to promote homegrown terror by crafting a sweeping handbook for so-called “lone wolf” extremists, Vocativ analysts discovered.

This manual moves beyond bomb-making tips and calls for indiscriminate violence. To do the Islamic State’s bidding requires a radical regimen of religious indoctrination, weapons mastery and other militant tactics. And this one book lays it all out, step-by-step, in a fashion that calls to mind the popular For Dummies self-help franchise.

Vocativ analysts discovered the untitled tome on a Telegram channel dedicated to lone wolf terrorism in general. A published synopsis that accompanied the guide spells out its target audience.


“For every Muslim believer whose religion and holy places are being attacked, who see the killing, burning, displacing, terrorizing, capturing and torturing of Muslims, and whose heart wanted to revolt and take revenge but couldn’t find a way,” the synopsis says in Arabic. Hmmmm.....Sounds like a best seller among Fatah and Hamas. Read the full story here.

ISIS advises followers in West: Shave beards, pretend to be Christian before conducting attacks.

ISIS advises followers in West: Shave beards, pretend to be Christian before conducting attacks. (ARANews).

The extremist group of Islamic State (ISIS) urged its followers in the West to pretend to be Christians before carrying out terrorist attacks.

The group released a new 58-page terror pamphlet titled “Safety and Security Guidelines for Lone Wolf Mujahideen”, instructing its adherents on how to “bring victory to Islam”.


“We present you this modest work for lone wolf Mujahideen and small cells of brothers who want to bring victory to this religion. This is originally a series of lecture in 30 parts by Aby Abdallah al-Adam (rahimahullah) about safety & security in Jihadi work. It was initially meant for Mujahideen groups (organizations) and not lone wolves, but we have tried to adapt it and pick what’s important and leave what’s not relevant for an individual Mujahid and small groups,” the pamphlet’s intro reads.

The Islamic State provides in its new release suggestions for Western terrorists, including shaving beards, forgoing religious clothing and wearing crucifix necklaces.

“It is permissible in such cases for you to wear a necklace showing a Christian cross,” the radical group advises its followers in the West. “As you know, Christians (or even atheist Westerners with Christian background) wear crosses on their necklaces. But don’t wear a cross necklace if you have a Muslim name on your passport, as that may look strange.” Read the full story here.