Could be linked to activate ISIS cell.
Police in Northern Virginia are increasing their presence around shopping malls and high-volume roads and transit areas in response to reports of a credible threat of an ISIS attack. Out of an abundance of caution, the police chief of Fairfax County said his department is ready to respond if the threat materializes. He said he learned of the threat through regional intelligence partners in the last 24 hours.
“We have an election coming up next Tuesday where we’ll have increased patrols throughout the next several days out of an abundance of caution, because that’s what we do as a public safety agency,” he said.
ISIS has been more active since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August. Officials say threats from the international terrorist group and al Qaeda are accelerating. Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis John Cohen said this week that the terror groups want individuals to act on their own, so-called lone-wolf attacks, overseas and at home.
“Right now we’re seeing a dramatic increase…in online activity by media operations associated with different al Qaeda elements and Islamic State,” Undersecretary Cohen said.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Afghan members of U.S.-trained military divisions who were deserted during the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in August, have joined the Islamic State. The new members joined the terrorist organization after Taliban combatants began raiding their homes and were forced to turn themselves in to the “country’s new authorities,” they reported.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For law enforcement and intelligence agents to succeed in protecting Americans in Virginia—and elsewhere—against the threat of terrorism.
- For officials to obtain accurate information regarding increased activity by ISIS and al Qaeda.
Sources: CBS News, Wall Street Journal, Daily Caller
