The Base, an American white supremacist terrorist group, has recently received international fame and infamy. They’ve pushed their reach even further by offering online military education. This expansion comes after the alliance’s announcement of new solidarity ties with a yet-identified U.S. far-right group. The Base has developed a deep and wide organic constellation across Europe. It’s gotten a great deal of recent attention for its controversial alliances and operations, such as a Ukrainian cell that this past June took credit for the assassination of an FSB intelligence officer in Kyiv.
Rinaldo Nazzaro, the leader of The Base, has come under intense scrutiny, especially after his alleged ties to Russian intelligence were exposed. Counter to his denials, former members have publicly criticized him, including by making the claim that he is a proxy agent for Russian intelligence services. Nazzaro has used various aliases to mask his legal identity, which raises further questions about his activities and affiliations. He stated, “The Base has its own organic European network,” emphasizing the group’s international ties.
The Base’s Ukrainian cell, the subject of a recent exposé, is an example. In July, they unapologetically claimed responsibility for the high-profile assassination of a top Ukrainian intelligence officer. This incident serves as a continuing reminder of the group’s penchant for violence and its transnational operational reach. In response to this threat, regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have sounded the alarm. They are especially concerned about far-right extremists of military persuasion obtaining drone technologies themselves.
Just recently, Observations Group, associated with The Base, had organized a physical training camp in Czechia. Instead, they decided to move their event to a completely online seminar format. The seminar is currently live and provides comprehensive, military-grade training materials covering all aspects of drone tradecraft. The group’s promotional material claims participants will “receive the latest information on drones, NATO and war doctrines, techniques for engaging in war on both sides of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and the integration of modern communications technologies and military concepts of future armies.”
Just as dangerous, experts argue that these training initiatives would strengthen extremist networks’ abilities to slot people into roles to carry out violence. Joshua Fisher-Birch remarked, “Offering military-style training materials, including drone tradecraft, to the extreme right indicates that this is for prepping purposes.” He further noted that these activities could “improve the capacity of extremist networks to commit violence or to encourage acts of violence specifically.”
Law enforcement and other authorities are on alert as they face an increasing threat from domestic violent extremists such as The Base. Lucas Webber emphasized the importance of intervention: “Preventing the shift from virtual coordination to tangible violence requires both monitoring of illicit financial flows and a commitment to taking down key digital channels that facilitate recruitment and training.” He cautioned that failing to act would allow military-inspired tactics to permeate civilian policing. This may lead to catastrophic strikes on non-combatants or public infrastructure.
In the United States, these military-trained neo-Nazis are currently training members of The Base. Check out how they’ve already been sharing their expertise on drone operations and combined arms tactics. This trend further underscores a truly dangerous convergence of military know-how and extremist agendas.
Nazzaro’s leadership is noteworthy for a number of reasons. What really has people talking are his controversial ties and his brash public claims of working with other extremist organizations. He stated, “We’re always open to collaboration with like-minded groups that recognize strength in unity.” Those types of announcements imply an openness to build coalitions that may expand the group’s power and ability to operate.
As The Base navigates its complex web of alliances and activities, it remains a focal point for law enforcement agencies and counter-terrorism experts worldwide. Observers note that the group’s online presence is significantly bolstered by posts available in both English and Russian, catering to a broader audience and facilitating international recruitment efforts.
“Good news: Norman Spear (leader of the paramilitary group ‘The Base’ and a former [FBI analyst])” – The Observations Group post.
The intricate dynamics between far-right extremism, international networks, and military training raise pressing questions about the future landscape of domestic and global security. Policy makers at every level are still trying to understand the impact of these changes. They made the decision to dismantle the networks before they were able to act on their violent ambitions.