The US department of homeland security on Friday issued a new terrorism threat advisory due to the “heightened threat environment” ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) said in its new bulletin the United States continues to face a “diverse and challenging” threat environment, adding that the 9/11 attacks and religious holidays could serve as a catalyst for acts of targeted violence. The terrorism threat comes at a time when the US troops are finalising their withdrawal from Afghanistan, which they invaded in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. The United States is also wary of threats from domestic terrorists and racially motivated violent extremists and anti-government violent extremists, the Capitol riots being a grave ultimatum. The homeland security department warned that the extremists and terror groups are increasingly exploiting online forums to spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity.

Source: Hindustan Times August 14, 2021 16:28 UTC