By Abdul Hameed Bakier
The use of female suicide bombers by Islamist militant groups in countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Afghanistan and Indian Kashmir has exceeded the traditional constraints that Salafi-Jihadi ideology imposes on women. Observers of jihadi cyber activities have noticed an increase in the number of websites dedicated to mujahidat (female mujahideen), linked either directly or ideologically to al-Qaeda. The physical and spiritual preparation of the mujahidat has recently spread to many jihadi websites.
In their quest to better prepare for jihad against "Zionists" and "crusaders," it is well known that Salafi-Jihadis are attempting all possible methods to present military training to their followers through secret camps in Afghanistan, Iraq and through literature available on the internet. What might be a new practice for the jihadis is the training of mujahidat. Even though it is not the first time that Muslim females have participated in high profile jihadi operations, Islamist websites have only posted female jihadi training documents recently. Some of the postings are of a non-combatant nature, directed at medical assistance; however, interviews with female mujahidat in Afghanistan, Palestine and elsewhere indicate that female Islamists are being trained for military operations also.
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It is not an easy task to prepare and send male suicide bombers to their death since it requires convincing them to leave everything behind. Female suicide bombers, moreover, have even more to lose when they take their own lives since they often leave behind orphaned children, such as in the case of al-Riyashi. Therefore, if it takes months of brainwashing through religious lectures in a strictly religious and spiritual environment to prepare male suicide bombers, it may take longer to convince a female to undertake suicide operations. Suicide is forbidden in Islam, but some Islamic authorities are still divided about the legality of suicide when it involves killing enemies in the process. If al-Qaeda is able to increase the number of women engaged in the jihad, counter-terrorism and security forces will need to better prepare for this new threat.
Pertinent Links:
1) Jihadis Provide Internet Training for Female Mujahideen
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