Ken McCallum, the director of MI5, has revealed a significant increase in state-threat investigations over the past year, with Russia, Iran, and China identified as the main perpetrators. In a rare public speech, McCallum emphasized the growing threat of assassination attempts on UK soil by hostile states, utilizing criminals to carry out attacks on their behalf. He highlighted the challenges faced by MI5 in addressing both terrorist threats and state-backed plots, against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Europe.
McCallum singled out Iran for its involvement in numerous plots in the UK and warned of potential escalation in the event of conflict with Israel. He also expressed concerns about Russian state actors using proxies to carry out attacks, including arson and sabotage. Both countries have been known to enlist criminals to carry out their operations, ranging from drug traffickers to low-level crooks.
The UK’s official terrorism threat level remains “substantial,” indicating a likelihood of an attack, and MI5 has successfully disrupted 43 late-stage terror plots since 2017. McCallum also raised alarm over the resurgence of ISIL, fueled by online propaganda targeting vulnerable individuals. He emphasized the role of the internet in radicalizing young people and highlighted the use of “canny” internet memes by extremist groups.
Overall, McCallum’s speech underscored the complex and evolving threats facing the UK from hostile states and terror groups, necessitating vigilance and coordination among intelligence agencies and law enforcement to safeguard national security.
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