By Noureddine Omar | 2026-01-29

Many countries around the world are confronting terrorism, a threat that has expanded significantly across regions during recent decades.

Some nations have successfully contained this spread, reducing the terrorist threat to minimal levels.

Coalition forces have supported this progress through coordinated security and military operations focused on countering terrorist groups and strengthening regional stability.

At the same time, preventive actions by individuals within their homes and communities confronting extremist ideology have significantly contributed to these achievements.

Studies show that defeating terrorism depends on building community awareness at every level, from families to schools, universities, and specialized institutions.

Awareness programs key role

The successful implementation of community awareness programs is necessary to strengthen resilience and reduce the influence of extremist ideologies.

This is especially true for informing communities and campaign organizers about the early signs and symptoms of extremism, enabling them to address these issues.

Fortifying communities properly is achieved first through education, followed by job creation and community security.

"Confronting terrorism demands a chain of interconnected efforts, with all civil, security, and military institutions serving as its links," military expert and terror group specialist Yahya Mohammed Ali told Al-Fassel.

Religious institutions can also play a positive role by spreading awareness of extremism, leveraging their relationships and influence within faith communities.

Social media recruitment

"Social media serves as a primary gateway for extremist groups to spread their ideology and conduct recruitment," said Mazen Zaki, director of new media at Egypt's Ibn Al-Walid Center for Studies and Field Research.

This played out on the ground, with young people falling into the trap, pledging allegiance, and joining the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS).

A counter-response using the same media channels could help limit extremist influence and protect communities from further harm

"Success in counter-campaigns against hate speech and terrorism came through the dissemination of religious awareness, alongside highlighting the positive aspects of security and stability," Zaki added.

Rehabilitating those who have been misled or tempted is crucial, using specialized centers supervised by psychological and social experts.

"Saudi Arabia's centers offer a successful model for modifying the ideas and behavior of terrorists and helping them reintegrate into society," Ali noted.

By promoting a culture of awareness, parents and close contacts play a vital role in promptly reporting suspicious activity and addressing emerging risks.

Community prevention workers recommend expanding awareness centers and coordinating their efforts with civil institutions and security organizations.

Sharing information produces better results than isolated operations, improving coordination, efficiency, and overall effectiveness in countering extremist threats.

Moreover, primary prevention programs against violent extremism require participants to acknowledge the problem within their communities to succeed.