Strengthening counter-terrorism through an innovative open-source intelligence training initiative

Terrorist propaganda is a persistent threat, as it is a powerful tool for recruitment and radicalisation. Recognising the need for innovative approaches, this training activity, focusing on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), was held in the Jordanian capital.

Stakeholders from both law enforcement and the judiciary came together to launch the training initiative. Leveraging OSINT capabilities, practitioners have acquired the necessary tools to collect and analyse information from a variety of online sources, including social media platforms.

In addition, this innovative training was an important milestone in the fight against terrorist propaganda and aimed to equip participants with advanced analytical skills to combat extremist narratives in today’s complex security landscape.

The training, conducted by the European project CT Just, included practical exercises designed to develop participants’ competence in accessing and analysing online information effectively. Through a series of lectures and exercises, participants were able to hone their analytical skills, improving their ability to decipher patterns and trends associated with terrorist propaganda.

In addition, the training has fostered a culture of collaboration and information sharing among participants, emphasising the importance of coordinating efforts to counter terrorist threats online. Through networking and partnerships, agencies, law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals are better equipped to collectively address the dynamic nature of terrorist propaganda.

Upon completion of the OSINT-focused training, participants are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency in OSINT techniques and develop advanced analytical capabilities tailored to counter terrorist propaganda. In addition, the initiative aims to improve collaboration and information-sharing practices among stakeholders, ultimately contributing to proactive intervention efforts.

Investing in OSINT training is a crucial step in strengthening defences against terrorist propaganda, protecting communities and promoting a secure digital environment. Through collective efforts, stakeholders pave the way for more effective counter-terrorism measures in a constantly evolving threat landscape. Following on from this successful training, a follow-up module on special techniques for investigating in the digital world will be held in June.