Summary

Since 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used this Bulletin to highlight the continuing terror threat to the U.S. Homeland. The United States is engaged in a generational fight against terrorists who seek to attack the American people, our country, and our way of life. An informed, vigilant and engaged public remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential terrorists and prevent attacks.

Duration

Issued: September 14, 2018
Expires: January 18, 2019

Details

We continue to face one of the most challenging threat environments since 9/11, as foreign terrorist organizations exploit the Internet to inspire, enable, or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit terrorist acts. Homegrown terror suspects increasingly rely on technology, such as end-to-end encrypted social media applications, to avoid detection.

Terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy-to-use tools to target public places and events. Specific attack tactics have included the use of vehicle ramming, to include the use of rental vehicles, small arms, straight-edged blades or knives, homemade explosives, and poisons or toxins.

Some terrorist groups overseas are using battlefield experiences to pursue new technologies and tactics, such as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents that could be used outside the conflict zones. Many of these technologies are readily available. Additionally, terrorists continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo, including with concealed explosives.

Violent extremist media encourages individuals worldwide to launch attacks using all means possible. Continued U.S. and partner successes in disrupting and defeating terrorists on the battlefield may encourage homegrown terrorists to carry out acts of violence in the homeland instead of attempting to travel overseas to fight or in retaliation for apparent losses.

Additionally, foreign terrorist fighters who have acquired training and battle-tested terrorism experience may flee from terrorist-controlled territories with a desire to conduct attacks elsewhere, including the United States.

U.S. Government Counterterrorism Efforts

DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to provide guidance to state, local, tribal and territorial partners related to the current threat environment. DHS continues to support the private sector to provide risk assessments and to coordinating security measures with business owners and operators. The public may continue to observe law enforcement and security activity in and around public places and events.

DHS works closely with the FBI and other intelligence partners to detect and disrupt terror suspects, enhance screening and vetting measures to identify suspicious travelers and cargo, combating violent radicalization and terrorist recruitment in our communities, monitoring emerging threats, and engaging with foreign partners.

More broadly, DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, ethnicity or identity.

DHS is enhancing its program to secure potential soft targets and crowded places, including schools.

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