Significant Terrorism Events in the News: Jan. 1 - Jan. 30, 2012

Jan 30, 2012

START's Significant Terrorism Events in the News is designed to give a brief overview of the past month's most significant developments in terms of terrorism and counterterrorism. The cases were selected based on visibility in the news and regional diversity. The articles selected are intended to be a sample of current events regarding terrorism around the world and not a definitive list.

Norway: Breivik ordered to undergo second psychiatric review

Anders Behring Breivik, the man who confessed to the July 22, 2011 bombing and shooting in Norway, has been ordered to undergo a second evaluation. A judge has ordered that Breivik be interviewed by two new psychiatrists after controversy arose after the first evaluation was leaked to the press. The original evaluation stated Breivik experienced a psychotic break at the time of the attack in which 77 people were killed. To view an article about this event, click here.

United States: Arson attacks occurs after the new year

In Pensacola, Fla. a family planning clinic was firebombed by a man protesting abortions. The clinic was completely gutted by the flames created by the homemade device. Luckily, no one was injured. The clinic has been the target of violence in the past and there are often anti-abortion protests outside of the building. You can read more about this at MSNBC and The Huffington Post.

Nigeria: Numerous attacks in the northern region: Boko Haram suspected

At least 200 people have been killed, and many more wounded in a wave of violence in the northern region of Nigeria this month. At the beginning of the month, a supposed representative from Boko Haram announced that all non-Muslims should leave the region. After his statement was released, a string of attacks occurred in the area, including shootings at a church, a bar and a gas station. The group has been suspected, or has claimed responsibility, for all of the attacks. A more recent statement by the group announced that anyone who supported the Nigerian government would be targeted in attacks. Following this statement, the group carried out a series of attacks in Kano (the largest city in the region) against security forces. As of Jan. 24, 185 people had been killed in the Kano attacks.

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