The Base: A Growing Threat in the U.S. and Abroad

In the shadow of high-profile arrests in Spain, the American-born neo-Nazi group known as The Base has largely receded from U.S. headlines, despite remaining a significant focus of counter-terrorism efforts. Recent online activities reveal that the group is still operational within the United States, treating it as a core hub for its activities. Led by former Pentagon contractor Rinaldo Nazzaro, who is believed to have ties to Russian intelligence, The Base is actively seeking to expand its influence in Europe, while also making its presence felt in the U.S.

The Leadership and Ambitions of The Base

Under Nazzaro’s leadership, The Base has been intensifying its pursuit of a European presence. The group’s members in Spain have been heavily armed, and its Ukrainian segment is linked to several acts of terrorism, including the assassination of a prominent intelligence officer in Kyiv last July. Meanwhile, The Base’s activities in the U.S. are becoming more nuanced. Recent videos released show masked individuals practicing with military-style firearms in what they claim to be Appalachian forests.

The Evolving Tactics of Recruitment and Organization

Despite facing investigations and crackdowns, The Base continues to recruit through various channels, including a Russian email address, showing resilience since the FBI’s intensified focus in 2020. Nazzaro has made his intentions clear, stating, “Our long-term strategic goal is to accomplish something similar to what al-Qaida and IS accomplished in Syria.” This alarming rhetoric indicates a plan to establish an armed insurgency focused on creating a white supremacist territory under their governance.

Imminent Threats and Escalating Violence

Analyst Steven Rai from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has raised concerns about Nazzaro’s statements, viewing them as a dangerous escalation. Originally, Nazzaro restricted his endorsements to Ukraine, but he has recently widened this perception to include the United States. He has called for the formation of “acceleration teams” to disrupt societal stability and undermine government authority through targeted attacks.

Operational Tactics and Strategic Goals

On platforms like VKontakte, The Base has explicitly urged its members to conduct “targeted attacks on essential infrastructure.” This kind of rhetoric could contribute to long-term political instability in the U.S. Moreover, Nazzaro and his group view their operations in Ukraine as a successful model for active insurgency, believing that similar opportunities exist in the U.S. due to its access to firearms and extensive wilderness.

Law Enforcement Response and International Implications

Following recent operations by Europol and the Spanish police to dismantle the group’s Spanish cell, questions remain about the level of communication with U.S. authorities. Some insiders allege that current FBI leadership has downplayed far-right extremism, dismissing it as part of a larger “woke” agenda. However, experts like Rai suggest that Nazzaro’s calls for violence could be a wake-up call for law enforcement, providing a justification for more rigorous intervention.

Global Perspective on The Base

Recent arrests of members in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK, along with the EU’s classification of The Base as a terrorist organization, indicate that its threat extends beyond the U.S. Nazzaro’s mention of instability in Canada and Europe signals a potential for recruiting new members and reveals a growing threat internationally. The former Canadian leader of The Base, Patrik Matthews, is currently imprisoned in the U.S. for his attempted attacks aimed at instigating a neo-Nazi uprising.

Conclusion

The Base’s persistent online presence and escalating ambitions pose a significant concern for both U.S. and international authorities. With its focus on recruitment and the potential for violence, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant against this evolving threat.

• The Base remains active in the U.S. and considers it a key operational center.
• Rinaldo Nazzaro’s leadership reflects a dangerous escalation and ambition to establish a white supremacist insurgency.
• The group’s recruitment tactics show resilience despite law enforcement crackdowns.
• Recent arrests across Europe highlight The Base’s growing international threat.