Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) are integral to modern CounterTerrorism (CT) efforts. While OSINT enables investigators to gather intelligence from publicly available sources such as social media and websites, GEOINT focuses on geolocation data and mapping capabilities to identify and monitor infrastructures linked to terrorist networks. They thus enhance the capacity of law enforcement authorities in managing complex and transnational cases, particularly those involving digital and social media networks. 

Against this backdrop, with the support of EUAM Iraq and the EU Delegation in Iraq, the second workshop in the CT intelligence cycle was organised in Baghdad. The workshop, delivered by experts from the Policia Nacional of Spain, the Belgian Federal Police and Europol, is a part of the EU-funded CT JUST capacity building programme. 

The week-long activity, which aligns with Iraq’s Counterterrorism Strategy, strives to incorporate the latest CT techniques, grounded in the EU’s legal framework and its action pillars: anticipation, prevention, protection, and response with the purpose of advancing the OSINT and GEOINT skills of officials from various key Iraqi agencies involved in CT.

CT Just empowers and enhances the capabilities of authorities participating in the programme, in this case the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, in dealing with CT.