United Kingdom: Tightened security measures in Edinburgh July 26-August 28

Event

Increased security measures and traffic restrictions are to be anticipated in Edinburgh from Wednesday, July 26, through Monday, August 28, as the city hosts the annual Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe. Among other measures, authorities have erected temporary security gates and barriers intended to protect pedestrians in the event of vehicle attacks. However, security officials specified that no specific or credible threat has been made as of July 26.

Context

All of Europe remains on high alert against the threat of terrorist activity following several high-profile attacks on the continent in recent months. The United Kingdom's terror threat level remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely but not imminent. 

Four attacks have been carried out in the United Kingdom since March. On March 22, a man drove a car into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge, injuring 50 and killing four, before exiting the vehicle and stabbing an unarmed police officer to death. Two months later, on May 22, at least 22 people were killed and 59 injured in an explosion that occurred during a pop concert at the Manchester Arena. Just weeks later three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before exiting the crashed vehicle and stabbing people in nearby Borough Market, killing eight and injuring 48. Most recently, a man crashed a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians leaving the Finsbury Park mosque on June 19, killing one person and injuring ten.

Advice

Individuals in Edinburgh are advised to carry proper identification at all times, to cooperate with authorities, and to expect traffic delays throughout the festival period. Due to the ever-present terrorist threat, individuals throughout the United Kingdom are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.