Chapter News
News Story
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin
Dateline: 1/4/2020
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin
Summary
The United States designated Iran a “State Sponsor of
Terrorism” in 1984 and since then, Iran has actively engaged in or
directed an array of violent and deadly acts against the United States
and its citizens globally. The United States designated Iran’s Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a Foreign Terrorist Organization on
April 15, 2019 for its direct involvement in terrorist plotting.
Duration
Issued: January 04, 2020 05:15 pm
Expires: January 18, 2020 01:00 pm
Details
- On January 2, 2020, the United States carried out a
lethal strike in Iraq killing Iranian IRGC-Quds Force commander Qassem
Soleimani while Soleimani was in Iraq.
- Iranian leadership and
several affiliated violent extremist organizations publicly stated they
intend to retaliate against the United States.
- At this time we
have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the
Homeland. Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated
the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States.
- Previous
homeland-based plots have included, among other things, scouting and
planning against infrastructure targets and cyber enabled attacks
against a range of U.S.-based targets.
- Iran maintains a robust
cyber program and can execute cyber attacks against the United States.
Iran is capable, at a minimum, of carrying out attacks with temporary
disruptive effects against critical infrastructure in the United States.
- Iran
likely views terrorist activities as an option to deter or retaliate
against its perceived adversaries. In many instances, Iran has targeted
United States interests through its partners such as Hizballah.
- Homegrown Violent Extremists could capitalize on the heightened tensions to launch individual attacks.
- An attack in the homeland may come with little or no warning.
- The
Department of Homeland Security is working closely with our federal,
state, local, and private sector partners to detect and defend against
threats to the Homeland, and will enhance security measures as
necessary.
Types of Advisories
Bulletin
Describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.
Elevated Alert
Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the United States.
Imminent Alert
Warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat against the United States.
How You Can Help
Be Prepared
- Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious emails, and network delays.
- Be
responsible for your personal safety. Know where emergency exits and
security personnel are located. Carry emergency contact and special
needs information with you.
- Implement basic cyber hygiene
practices such as effecting data backups and employing multi-factor
authentication. For more information visit CISA.gov.
- Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees. Security tools/resources can be accessed through the DHS’s Hometown Security Campaign.
Stay Informed
- The U.S. Government will provide additional information
about any emerging threat as additional information is identified. The
public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public
safety officials.
- We urge Americans to continue to travel,
attend public events, and freely associate with others but remain
vigilant and aware of surroundings.
- The Department of State issues international travel alerts and warnings.
- For additional information visit Ready.gov.
If You See Something, Say Something™. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.