A terrorist attack left some 84 people, including several children, dead in the French city of Nice on Thursday evening in an incident that has shocked the world. A terrorist ploughed a truck loaded with grenades and other weapons into a large crowd celebrating a national day in France referred to as Bastille Day.
Witnesses say after the truck was finally stopped and the terrorist driver killed, there was an “apocalyptic scene” with bodies and blood strewn all over. Some 18 people were injured critically, 50 slightly and another 120 are on treatment, according to a ministry official.
The impact of the attack is huge and struck at the very heart of the French people. By striking during a national day, the terrorists’ aim was to disorient the French, disrupt their way of life and instill fear. They want the French to begin doubting their country’s abilities and beliefs. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-religious nation, the terrorists want to drive a wedge between people to atone for their perceived grievances. This is unacceptable, especially in a country that is home to millions of immigrants from across the globe.
The attack comes after another one in Paris where 130 people were killed by several gunmen. Terrorists have no respect for human life and the rate at which the attacks are escalating in areas that were previously considered relatively safe, should worry all countries. The jihadists have been able to get past tight security and heightened vigilance.
But the right thinking world must not give up. We must expose the terrorists for who they are — cowardly, ill-guided and selfish individuals.
We must unite against the few misguided groups seeking to cause disharmony and mistrust. The ISIS, Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda and dozens of other destructive groups must have their financial lifeline cut off. All nations must cooperate in this endeavour. Intelligence networks must work together to smoke out terrorist cells before they stage attacks on innocent people.
It is not enough for the world’s top leaders to condemn terror attacks when they happen. Deliberate actions and necessary compromises must be made to stop terrorists from achieving their hateful goals. More resources must be ploughed into the war against terror. Today’s terrorists are well educated, have money and can come in any form, hence the call for a multi-pronged approach to this global menace. The world must not be cowed by terrorists.
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