Government's plans to deal with returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) include strengthening programmes to address perceived economic and social inequalities in T&T, job creation and overall rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised people into society.
National Security Minister Edmund Dillon revealed this and other latest anti-terrorism initiatives in Parliament last Friday, replying to Opposition question on plans to address terrorism and crime.
“The Government is cognisant that as a country, T&T isn’t immune to terrorist attacks and has strengthened collaboration with international partners to combat this and ensure protection of citizens and foreign nationals,” Dillon added,
He said Government was committed to addressing and reversing the process of radicalization of FTFs who return to T&T from conflict countries.
“Focus is being given to conducting targeted research on this group and the implementation of innovative social campaigns and initiatives geared toward rebuilding national allegiance as well as support for national counter terrorism efforts.
“Government has also begun a process of deepening partnerships with key non-governmental, faith-based and community-based organisations to harness their extensive social networks, inherent dynamism, innovation and energies to counter the terrorist ideologies.
"Priority focus has also been given to strengthening programmes aimed at addressing perceived economic and social inequalities, employment creation and overall rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised persons into society.”
In March, Dillon said 130 people from T&T—58 fighters and approximately 72 family members—were involved with terrorist activity overseas.
Last month in the 2018 Budget debate, Fitzgerald Hinds (Minister in the Attorney General’s Ministry) said international partners have confirmed that the figure is 180 men, women and children.
A 2013-2015 intelligence list shows 105 people—including 26 women, 14 girls 30 boys and men—left for the Middle East. At least ten were later reported to be dead.
T&T working with international partners
Speaking to the Guardian yesterday, Dillon said T&T was working with international partners—including the US's Southern Command and UK security heads who recently visited T&T—to assess exactly how many FTFs and families may seek to return to T&T.
This includes how many may be "adrift" or be at Middle East camps following Isis' deterioration over the last year when ranks began crumbling.
Last Friday, however, attackers bearing Isis banners killed 300 in an attack on an Egyptian Sufi mosque.
In September, the Human Rights watch found a T&T family—including women, children—at an Iraqi detention centre among hundreds including Isis members who surrendered to Iraqi forces.
Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said yesterday the family was still there and "we're dealing with them."
In March, he announced proposed amendments to anti-terrorism law adding that further proposals would deal with returning FTFs/families. He said yesterday the thrust was based on identification, verification, prosecution (if recommended) and prevention.
Proposals concerning returning FTF families, including four safe houses for those in need of safety, operating within a Justice Protection programme, will come to Parliament soon.