Home Secretary alerts to increasing threat of terror attack in the UK

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The UK government has issued a warning, stating that the risk of terror attacks in the country is increasing, as both al-Qaeda and Isis show signs of resurgence.

On Tuesday, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman released an updated version of Britain’s counterterror strategy, the first in five years.

The strategy revealed that in the past five years, the UK experienced nine domestic terror attacks, resulting in six deaths and 20 injuries. Additionally, the police and security services disrupted 39 plots at an advanced stage.

The refreshed strategy, known as Contest, highlighted three key changes in the nature of the terrorist threat to the UK. Individual extremists and small groups now pose a greater danger, as they are less predictable and harder to detect.

The strategy warned of an ongoing and evolving threat from Islamist terrorist groups abroad. While direct affiliation and ideological alignment have diminished, al-Qaeda and Isis are still inspiring and radicalizing individuals within the UK.

The document emphasized the potential dangers of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. Terrorists may exploit AI to create and spread radicalizing content, propaganda, and instructional materials, as well as plan and carry out attacks. However, the same technologies can also be utilized for counterterror tactics.

The strategy disclosed that domestic terror plots have targeted public figures, specific communities, events such as Pride, and popular locations in London.

It stated that Islamist terrorism remains the primary domestic threat, accounting for 67% of attacks since 2018, dominating MI5’s caseload, and constituting 64% of individuals in custody for terrorism-related offenses. Furthermore, extreme rightwing terrorism accounted for 22% of attacks since 2018.

The strategy acknowledged the ongoing risk posed by terrorists in prison, especially those released back into society. Long-term monitoring of these individuals is necessary, as evidenced by previous attacks conducted by serving or recently freed prisoners.

Concerns were also raised about extreme misogynists belonging to the “incel” internet subculture, who may meet the threshold of terrorist intent or action.

The potential threat posed by asylum seekers arriving via small boats across the Channel is also being closely monitored.

In a speech, Home Secretary Braverman stated that although the current risk posed by terrorists is not as high as a few years ago, it has risen from a lower base. The government intends to fully leverage its counter-terrorism operations center, established last year, which brings together various agencies to disrupt terrorist activities.