United Kingdom: Five terror attacks allegedly foiled since March

Event

British intelligence and law enforcement services are reportedly dealing with an unprecedented number of terrorist investigations and threats. According to anonymous counterterrorism officials who have pushed back against accusations that the recent attack in Manchester should have been prevented, security services have 500 active investigations looking into roughly 3000 potential suspects. Additionally, sources indicated that 18 terror plots had been foiled since 2013, including five since the Westminster attack on March 22, 2017.

On May 23, Prime Minister Theresa May raised the terror threat level in the United Kingdom from "severe" to "critical." The threat level was increased following the bombing in Manchester the previous evening. May announced that another attack may be imminent and said that military personnel could be deployed to assist police forces throughout the country. It was then announced on May 25 that armed police would patrol trains in the country for the first time.

Context

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack in Manchester, although it is unclear how much, if any, contact the bomber had with the group. At least 22 people were killed and 59 more were injured in an explosion that occurred at the Manchester Arena at approximately 22:40 (local time). The incident occurred at the end of a concert being given by pop singer Ariana Grande. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether any accomplices of the attacker are still at large.

The Manchester bombing was the UK's most deadly terrorist attack since 2005, when 52 people died and 700 others were injured in bombings on London's public transportation network.

Advice

Individuals present in the United Kingdom are advised to anticipate a heightened security presence throughout the country (particularly in urban centers), adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, and report any suspicious objects or behavior.