The UK's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the nationwide threat level for international terrorism from "severe"; to "critical"; on September 15 in the wake of a bomb attack on a London Underground (Tube) train, which occurred at the city's Parsons Green station at 0821 the same day. The blast left at least 22 persons injured; the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to sensitive sites over the coming days. Increased security is also possible at major transit hubs in the UK. The tighter security may lead to security processing delays at major airports, including London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), and Manchester (MAN). Expect similar precautionary measures at major rail, London Underground, and bus stations, as well as on international rail lines to and from France. Security personnel and the general public will likely be especially vigilant in the wake of the September 15 attack. Numerous false alarms and hoax bomb threats are likely in the near term; perceived threats and suspicious objects or activity could prompt localized evacuations without warning.
Background and Analysis
This is the second time within the past four months that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has increased the nation's threat level from international terrorism to critical. Authorities took the same measure on May 23 following a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester. Prior to the Manchester bombing, the threat level for international terrorism in the UK had remained at "severe" - meaning an attack is highly likely - since August 2014. While it is unclear how long the heightened posture will remain in effect, UK authorities have historically only raised the threat level to "critical" for brief periods of time, lowering it once again several days later.
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