In the current digital era defined by increased technological evolution and advancement, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have taken center stage in their applications in various fields. In the middle east, specifically Iraq, UAVs, also known as drone technology, have been integrated into various operations such as military operations, peace-seeking organizations, and terrorist groups amid heightening conflicts and instability. Their use has been widespread, subjecting civilians and other public members to mixed reactions (Roque, 2006). Military and peacekeeping organizations have been focused on enhancing people’s lives, while terrorist groups spark tremendous fear that elevates the uncertainty due to the catastrophic nature of terrorist activities. As such, this essay will focus on the utilization and the effects of UAVs in Iraq by the state military organizations, peacekeeping groups, and terrorism activities, considering their mitigation methods to minimize terrorism.
UAVs Utilization in Government and Peacekeeping Operations
In Iraq, government and military operations utilize military and civilian drone technology. Specifically, the United States military groups have been significant technology users for many operations, such as the acquisition of targets and reconnaissance in the country (Haugstvedt & Jacobsen, 2020). Such operations aim to assess people’s movement and consequently gather insightful surveillance to understand terrorist activities and movements utilizing MQ-9 Reaper and RQ Shadow, among others. Besides, the military activities integrate armed UAVs that are utilized in effecting targeted elimination of enemy combatants and carrying out airstrikes (Śniatała et al., 2021). They are also effective in providing military groups will real-time data on situational awareness to facilitate the thwarting of high-value individuals and enemies with precision-guided munitions. The technology protects the pilots and soldiers from engaging directly with the terrorist groups providing the group with ample time and required human resources to access the situations and plan effectively based on the challenges or variations experienced during such an operation.
The United States Army is the most significant user of the technology as well as the Iraq military operations. The activities carried out are primarily reconnaissance and surveillance activities. In the last decade, various terrorist activities and modes of gathering intelligence have significantly evolved, forcing UAVs to adjust accordingly. As such, in advancing their activities and the range of applications, drones have been forced to incorporate various technologies such as the global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) (O’Brien, 2013). The drones incorporate the capability to take pictures and simultaneously record videos of the targeted individual or group. Unarmed drones often carry out reconnaissance and surveillance activities, although an impending airstrike features ammunition. Specifically, the drones such as MQ-9 Reaper feature hellfire missiles or laser-guided bombs (Śniatała et al., 2021). These are utilized for a targeted airstrike aimed at specific groups or individuals who are potential masterminds of criminal or terrorist activities based on the intelligence accrued.
Terrorists’ Utilization of UAVs
Iraq has experienced tremendous terrorist activities, and drone technology has been a significant tool in advancing its operations. In most cases, they utilize drones to carry out surveillance and consequently carry out targeted airstrikes using explosives. An example of terrorist groups that continues to wreak havoc in the country includes the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The utilization of the UAVs in these groups has evolved, incorporating some advanced technology that makes them difficult to detect even though they are relatively cheap (Roque, 2006). They are integrated with high-resolution cameras, making it relatively easier to carry out their intelligence activities as they plan attacks. The airstrikes are carried out using explosive devices, and, in some cases, small bombs are incorporated, depending on the target, which can be civilians or military groups. In other cases, the terrorists target the critical infrastructure of the country as they attempt to cripple the government or military operations directed in the territory where they reside (Roque, 2006). In recent times, there have been reports of terrorists incorporating biological and chemical weapons in their strikes, although there has been no evidence to support the claim.
Mitigating and stopping terrorist’s utilization of UAVs
Minimizing and subsequently stopping the utilization of UAVs by terrorist groups is a multi-faceted process amid a challenging terrain due to the increased technological advancement and the inability to detect and track drones promptly. However, the multi-faceted approach can incorporate various strategies to aid the process. First, anti-drone technology can be incorporated to ensure the drones are detected and intercepted before initiating an attack (O’Brien, 2013). Even though drone technology has evolved, anti-drone technology has considerably advanced to keep up with the changes in the industry. The incorporation of radar, detectors that can analyze a plethora of radio frequencies, and the ability to track small drones has been on an upward trajectory. The technology allows for drone detection and interception facilitated by signal jamming. Secondly, advancing security measures on specific targets prone to attacks can minimize the possibility of a drone attack. This can be facilitated by integrating significant barriers that repel the bombs and explosives, especially around the critical infrastructures, to ensure they are not damaged. Thirdly, the integration of regulation and licensing practices for drone technology through stakeholder involvement can aid in thwarting terrorists’ activities (Haugstvedt & Jacobsen, 2020). The regulations include mandatory registration of the UAVs and consequently restricting the access of drones to sensitive areas.
Conclusion
UAVs have played a significant role in advancing the government and military operations in Iraq as they aid in carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance and consequently carry out targeted airstrikes to thwart possible criminal or terrorist activity. In retaliation, the terrorist groups in the country have also advanced significantly as they advance with technology. The integration of UAVs allows them to carry out targeted attacks and gather significant intelligence that they can use to advance their activities. As such, incorporating mitigation and stopping measures can be a significant pathway to minimizing terrorists’ activities in the county. For instance, laws and regulations can be initiated to regulate the sector while critical infrastructure can be protected by incorporating anti-drone technologies.
References
Haugstvedt, H., & Jacobsen, J. O. (2020). Taking fourth-generation warfare to the skies? An empirical exploration of non-state actors’ use of weaponized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs—‘drones’). Perspectives on terrorism, 14(5), 26-40. https://discovery-ebsco-com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/c/iuzu2i/details/gjw4rrakn5?limiters=FT%3AN%2CRV%3AN%2CFC%3AN%2CFC1%3AN%2CFT1%3AY&q=The%20Use%20and%20Impact%20of%20Unmanned%20Aerial%20Vehicles%20%28UAVs%29%20in%20Iraq
O’Brien, M. E. (2013). Unmanned Drones and the National Airspace System: Challenges and Considerations. Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated. https://discovery-ebsco-com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/c/iuzu2i/details/y342u7nelv?limiters=FT%3AN%2CRV%3AN%2CFC%3AN%2CFC1%3AN%2CFT1%3AY&q=The%20Use%20and%20Impact%20of%20Unmanned%20Aerial%20Vehicles%20%28UAVs%29%20in%20Iraq
Śniatała, P., Iyengar, S. S., & Bendarma, A. (Eds.). (2021). Modern Technologies Enabling Safe and Secure UAV Operation in Urban Airspace (Vol. 59). IOS Press. https://discovery-ebsco-com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/c/iuzu2i/details/2bdy5hsgnf?limiters=FT%3AN%2CRV%3AN%2CFC%3AN%2CFC1%3AN%2CFT1%3AY&q=The%20Use%20and%20Impact%20of%20Unmanned%20Aerial%20Vehicles%20%28UAVs%29%20in%20Iraq
Roque, A. (2006). More support for armed UAVs in Iraq: Army again Working to Equip Hunter Aircraft with Viper Strike. Inside the Army, 18(50), 7–7. https://discovery-ebsco-com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/c/iuzu2i/details/eawh4nckx5?limiters=FT1%3AY&q=Unmanned%20Aerial%20Vehicles%20%28UAVs%29%20in%20Iraq
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