Terrorism Threat Update

15 November 2017 admin Comments Off on Terrorism Threat Update Travel Warnings

On 9 November 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security updated its National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) bulletin to provide current information on the potential threat of terrorist activity within the US.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world.  There have been numerous politically motivated attacks in the United States in recent years, with perpetrators having a range of ideological and religious motivations.

There is currently a heightened threat of terrorist attack in the United States caused by those motivated by the rhetoric of extremists involved in the conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Recent attacks in the United States include:

  • In October 2017, a vehicle attack near the World Trade Center in New York left 8 people dead and at least 13 injured.
  • In September 2016, a bombing in the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City injured 29 people.
  • In September 2016, a knife attack in a mall in Saint Cloud, Minnesota injured 9 people.
  • In June 2016, a nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida, killed 49 people and injured 53 others.
  • In December 2015, a shooting in San Bernardino, California killed 14 people and injured a further 23.​

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), issued its latest Bulletin on 9 November 2017. The Bulletin expresses concern that terrorist groups are using the internet to inspire, enable or direct individuals already in the Unites States to commit terrorist acts and that terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy-to-use tools (such as vehicles, knives, homemade explosives and poisons or toxins) to target public places and events. The Bulletin provides advice and information on United States Government counter-terrorism efforts and on what members of the public can do to help combat the threat of home grown terrorist incidents.

Any information on specific or credible terrorist threats or targets within the United States are released by DHS through NTAS detailed alerts.

These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an “imminent threat” or “elevated threat”, a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions taken to ensure public safety, in addition to recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take.

Further information on safety and security is available from these four US government agencies:

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