The article examines ‘kinocide'”‘ as a tactical instrument of terrorism, which is the intentional targeting and destruction of families. In order to destabilize communities and spread fear, organizations such as ISIS, Boko Haram, the LRA, and Hamas have weaponized familial connections through sexual brutality, murder, kidnapping, and psychological trauma. This strategy, which includes digitally taking over victims’ social media accounts to increase agony, is best illustrated by the October 7 Hamas attacks. Current legal systems deal with specific offenses but do not acknowledge kinocide as a separate crime. Although it has not yet been properly defined, case law from Germany and Uganda shows that judges acknowledge family-targeted terror. In order to address the deep psychological and cultural effects of kinocide, the authors propose for its inclusion in counterterrorism efforts and worldwide legal recognition.

https://lieber.westpoint.edu/kinocide-strategy-terrorism-legal-frameworks-case-law-analysis/