CBRN Threats and Incidents Involving Non-state Actors - 2022 Annual Report
Publish date: 2023-04-27
Report number: FOI-R--5460--SE
Pages: 26
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- non-state actors
- terrorism
- crime
- bioterrorism
- poisoned
- CBRN
- threat assessment
- annual report
Abstract
The aim of this annual report is to present an updated assessment of the threat posed by non-state actors' use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials to cause adverse effects on society. The content is based solely on open-source information and includes a selection of incidents that occurred in 2022. The report is produced by a research group at FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency), with grants from the Swedish Ministry of Defence. No confirmed CBRN-related terrorist attack with potential to cause mass effects has occurred during 2022. However, there is still a widespread concern for this type of attack to occur and the consequences it may generate in the society. Expressions of threats, propaganda and instructions on CBRN-attacks are still being disseminated within violent extremist communities, with the purpose of spreading fear and inspiring sympathizers to take action. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of alleged terrorism related activities with CBRN-substances, although without reliable data regarding the circumstances making these cases spurious. As in previous years, hazardous substances have been used to intimidate, cause harm or to conduct other opportunistic illicit activities. Most incidents involve domestic affairs or individuals in close relations as well as easy access substances such as drugs or household chemicals.