DHS Says UAVs Might Be Used By Terrorists To Carry Out Attacks

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke has issued an updated National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin pertaining to the terrorism threat to the U.S. homeland.

“After careful consideration of the current terror threat environment—and with input from intelligence and law enforcement partners, I have made the decision to update and extend the NTAS Bulletin for six months,” said Acting Secretary Duke. “Our enemies remain focused on attacking the United States, and they are constantly adapting.  DHS and its partners are stepping up efforts to keep terrorists out of America and to prevent terrorist recruitment and radicalization here at home, and we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”

This marks the fifth iteration of the Bulletin on the terror threat to the U.S. homeland. The Bulletin has been reissued three times previously since its initial release in December 2015.

According to the bulletin, some terrorist groups overseas are using battlefield experiences to pursue new technologies and tactics, such as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents that could be used outside the conflict zones. Additionally, terrorists continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo, including with concealed explosives.

Violent extremist media encourages individuals worldwide to launch attacks using all means possible. Continued U.S. and partner successes in disrupting and defeating terrorists on the battlefield may encourage homegrown terrorists to carry out acts of violence in the homeland instead of attempting to travel overseas to fight or in retaliation for apparent losses.

Additionally, foreign terrorist fighters who have acquired training and battle-tested terrorism experience may flee from terrorist-controlled territories with a desire to conduct attacks elsewhere, including the United States.

DHS is asking citizens to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement who can best offer specific details on terroristic indicators.

(Source: DHS news release)

FMI: www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/ntas_17_1109_0001