Is the Sleeper Cell Threat Real?

Note: I wrote this article a week prior to the direct involvement of the United States with military action against Iran. As is obvious, this topic is of pressing importance due to recent events. I have been writing about and discussing the sleeper cell threat here and elsewhere for two years. The mainstream media finally got the memo, too Little, too late:

Reliable sources indicate that there are, indeed, many terror organization sleeper cells already positioned within the Continental United States.  The complexity of this issue is legion, as these cells are comprised of operatives that are loyal to different adversarial groups.

For some time now, ex-intel people have been screaming from the proverbial rooftops that we are infested with Al Qaeda and ISIS jihadists.  This issue has been greatly enhanced due to the non-existent immigration and border enforcement policies of the Biden administration.  The government has no clue where many of these people are.

In addition to these extremist Sunni jihadi groups, the Shea world has their own groups of terrorists, although they have not, historically, been as overtly aggressive towards the West.  That may change, however, in the face of this new war between Isreal and Iran. 

The Iranian controlled group, Hezbollah, has a significant presence in North and South America.  Again, intelligence people believe that there are many cells affiliated with this Lebanese group here within CONUS.  As is obvious, Hezbollah has never been active in committing terror acts against CONUS (although they are linked to attacks on embassies abroad).  Therefore, if we see a coordinated attack conducted by Hezbollah cells within the United States, it will be a directive sent down, most likely, from Iranian leadership.  That is why this new Middle Eastern war poses a threat to homeland security.  Whereas the overall mission of Al Qaeda and the like is, specifically, terror against the West, the Hezbollah threat would be a tool of war. 

In addition to these different terrorist factions, there also remains the ever-present lone wolf phenomenon that tends to get stirred up due to international events.  This remains the most likely form of terrorist violence we will continue to see, though that may change.  Regardless of the particular denomination from which it comes, the current terror threat is very real.

With all of this in mind, how should this influence you as the prepared citizen? 

I think of the very good advice given by an ex-special operations medic who taught a TCCC type medical class that I attended some time back.  At the beginning of the class he spoke of the active shooter threat, which is the motivating reason for many people to take such classes, although you are far more likely to need trauma medical skills to deal with accidents.  Still, the active killer threat is very real.  He said, “you must be a shooter first, because that is what stops the carnage.  Then, utilize your medical skills to help the casualties.”  Sound advice.

As the prepared citizen, facing this looming threat that is very likely on the horizon, where should your focus be regarding necessary skills? 

Obviously, being aware of your surroundings, avoiding particularly crowded and vulnerable places, and having a well-stocked and armed home, are top priorities.  Beyond these considerations, however, what skills are most important if you find yourself at ground zero of such an attack?

I would submit that, should you find yourself in a Mumbai or Paris style event, which is the likely manifestation of what will happen, then shooter first, medic second, is the formula.  If you have loved ones with you your top priority is them and getting them out of the danger zone is your concern; flee with your loved ones to safety and neutralize any threat that tries to stop you.  However, if by yourself, you may have the option to interdict and make a real difference. 

First, how are your pistol skills?  Your rifle won’t help you, even if you have one in the vehicle.  You will fight with your handgun.  How confident are you in that skillset and your ability to neutralize active killers at further-than-conventional distances with your pistol?  Yes, you can defeat rifle-armed killers with only your pistol; not easy, but it has been done many times. 

Second, when is the last time you took a TCCC or even just a Stop the Bleed class?  How familiar are you with the skillset involved in mitigating life-threatening bleeding?  Will you be an asset in the wake of mass violence who can help keep injured people alive until the professionals arrive, which may not be for a significant amount of time due to the emergency?

Third, do you have the fighting and trauma gear you need on you?  I know that, statistically speaking, needing a reload is literally about zero.  However, such stats on armed citizen defense up until this point does not consider what such terrorist threats might entail.  I think a capable pistol, with at least one spare magazine, is in order during our time of heightened threat.

How about medical gear?  Do you carry a trauma kit on person?  It is hard to do, although I encourage people to carry at least a tourniquet on person.  Consider a sling bag to keep with you when in crowded places.  A mundane looking sling bag is completely normal for almost any environment today, as people routinely carry laptops and other such items with them all the time in some kind of sling bag or backpack.  Keep trauma gear, as well as additional reloads for your pistol, in such a pack when in public locations for additional capability.

Unfortunately, I fear that such considerations are not conspiratorial or alarmist.  It is coming. Iranian linked cells might be activated, and if not, the other terror groups are certainly here, awaiting the go signal. The enemy is within the gates, and as some analysts predict, may even coordinate efforts. We live in the fallout of intentionally detrimental immigration and border policy.

While at the individual level we cannot do much to prevent it, being prepared can actually go a long way towards stopping a singular event, should you find yourself there.  Train with your handgun for the worst case scenario, and train your trauma medical skills as well.

The sleeper cell threat is very real.  How great the manifestation will be, we don’t know. 

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