MI5 warns 75% of terror threats are of Islamist origin

MI5's Director General, Ken McCallum, revealed that 75% of terror threats in the UK are of Islamist origin, with Iran linked to over 20 deadly plots in the past two years. He noted a resurgence of ISIS and Al Qaeda, stating that “Al Qaeda had sought to capitalise on conflict in the Middle East, calling for violent action.”

The threat includes organized overseas groups that are increasingly active in the UK, as shown by recent investigations and arrest cases, including a man jailed for designing a drone for ISIS.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East raises the risk of domestic terror, with potential triggers from online extremism and misinformation. McCallum warned of the aggression from Iranian state actors, which could escalate as Middle Eastern events unfold.