The head of the United Kingdom's domestic security service has issued a stark warning about the resurgent threat posed by ISIS and al Qaeda. In a rare public address, the Director General of MI5 highlighted the evolving landscape of terrorism, emphasizing the increasing reliance on children and the internet by terrorist groups.
According to MI5, more than a third of recent priority investigations have involved connections to overseas terrorist organizations, with ISIS showing renewed efforts to export terrorism. Alarmingly, the agency has seen a three-fold increase in the involvement of minors in terrorism-related activities since 2021.
Despite the fall of ISIS' self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq and Syria five years ago, the group has transformed into a global terror network with cells operating across various regions. The Director General noted that both ISIS and al Qaeda have been actively seeking to capitalize on conflicts in the Middle East to incite violence.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about state-sponsored sabotage, with Russia's GRU intelligence agency allegedly conducting operations aimed at generating chaos on British and European streets. MI5 and British police have reportedly thwarted 20 Iran-backed terror plots in Britain since the beginning of 2022.
The Director General emphasized the multifaceted nature of the threats faced by the UK, ranging from traditional terrorist activities to state-backed assassination and sabotage plots. He warned that individuals involved in illegal acts sponsored by foreign states would face severe consequences.
In addition to Islamist extremism, MI5 is also actively combating far-right terrorism, which has been attracting young individuals influenced by online propaganda. Recent convictions of British teenagers involved in terrorism offenses underscore the diverse range of threats faced by the country.
As the UK grapples with the complex challenges posed by terrorism and state-sponsored activities, the public is being kept informed about the evolving nature of the threats. The Director General's address serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard national security amidst a backdrop of global insecurity.
