Threat of Lone Wolf attacks in the UK rises intel agencies warn

London – Intelligence agencies, as well as analysts, have warned that Britain could see a rise in ‘lone wolf’ like terrorist attacks following last week’s attack on a senior Member of Parliament. It was also pointed out that during the Corona outbreak, the use of the internet by people staying at home had increased dramatically, which may have led to the increase in the number of extremists. Sir David Amess, a Member of Parliament for Southend in Britain, was assassinated last Friday. The assassination was carried out by 25-year-old Lone Wolf terrorist Ali Harbi Ali of Somalian descent.

Following the assassination of Sir Amess, the issue of the security of British MPs and terrorism has once again come to the fore. A few months ago, the former head of Britain’s counter-terrorism force submitted a report to Parliament. The report recommended more aggressive provisions against the extremist groups. But no steps have been initiated per the report. Against this backdrop, the terrorist attacks on MPs have shaken political and security circles in Britain.

‘During the Corona pandemic, many people were sitting at home because of the lockdown in the country. Internet use from home also increased significantly during this period. There is a possibility that many people may have become extremists through information and videos on the internet. It is feared that this could have also created Lone Wolf terrorists among these people. The British intelligence agencies have warned that these ‘lone wolf’ terrorists could launch attacks in Britain soon.

Security-related sources said that both the counter-terrorism forces and MI5 expressed grave concern over the incident. A preliminary investigation has revealed that Ali, a Somali-born terrorist who attacked MP Sir Amess, was also inspired by videos of radical clerics on the internet. Therefore, the alert of the intelligence agencies has become noteworthy.

Ali was also involved in the anti-terrorist operation ‘Prevent’ run by the British security forces a few years ago. However, the British system is said to have failed to recognize the threat.

Against this backdrop, British Home Secretary Priti Patel signalled an increase in the scope of the counter-terrorism campaign. ‘If there are any weak links in the initiatives like ‘Prevent’, the priority will be to remove them’, Patel clarified. At the same time, steps will be taken to increase the security of MPs, the British Home Secretary said.