Today, the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) marks the solemn occasion of the
20th anniversary of the devastating Madrid train bombings, in which 193 were
killed and over 2,000 injured by Islamist terrorists. The bombings remain one
of the most devastating terror attacks in Europe, and led to the establishment
of the European Day of Remembrance to commemorate all victims of terror. This
anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the enduring danger posed by
terrorism and the ongoing struggle to counter extremist ideologies two decades
on.





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CEP Marks 20th Anniversary Of The Madrid Train Bombings


(New York, N.Y.) – Today, the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) marks the solemn
occasion of the 20th anniversary of the devastating Madrid train bombings, in
which 193 were killed and over 2,000 injured by Islamist terrorists. The
bombings remain one of the most devastating terror attacks in Europe, and led
to the establishment of the European Day of Remembrance to commemorate all
victims of terror. This anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the enduring
danger posed by terrorism and the ongoing struggle to counter extremist
ideologies two decades on.



Established Islamist terror groups such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, and
Hezbollah continue to represent organized threats, with attack plans by their
loyalists and returning fighters in Europe regularly uncovered. The ongoing
conflict in Gaza has provided fresh impetus for ISIS and al-Qaeda in particular
to maintain relevance, with both calling for strikes against the West and Jews.



The newer threat of individual radicalization through the internet has
meanwhile made identifying and tracking potential terrorists increasingly hard.
Young people are at particular risk of exposure to this material. We must
continue to put pressure on social media platforms and messenger services to
ensure that extremist online content is blocked immediately. We must also
invest further in de-radicalization programmes, to provide alternatives to
those who have fallen for messages of hatred.



Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler, Senior Director of the Counter Extremism Project,
remarks:



"The evolution of technology and the proliferation of online platforms have
significantly altered the landscape of extremism and terrorism. Today,
terrorists continue to exploit the internet to radicalise, recruit, and
communicate with unprecedented ease, posing a formidable challenge to law
enforcement and counterterrorism efforts.



Addressing the challenge of returning fighters also remains a substantial
problem. Groups like al Qaeda and ISIS are in many ways as strong and dangerous
as ever. The relevant authorities need to be given the right guidelines and
proper resources to identify threats and prevent them before they can be put
into action.



As we stand in solidarity with the victims of Madrid, it is imperative that we
remain vigilant and united in our efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Through cooperation, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our shared
values, we can work towards a safer and more resilient future for all.”



Dr. Schindler has detailed the issue of the continuing and changing face of
terrorism further in an article today inEuronews
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To read CEP’s Tech and Terrorism reports, please click here
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To read CEP’s Spain Country report, please click here
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