Homeland Security: ‘See Something, Say Something’ in wake of threats from Iran

U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Jan. 4 National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin -- issued in the wake of the U.S. strike on Jan. 2 that killed Iranian IRGC-Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Iran's subsequent threats of retaliation -- warns citizens of possible terrorism threats in the United States.

Three days after the bulletin was released, Iran claimed responsibility for a rocket attack that struck two U.S. military bases in Iraq. Reuters reported there were no casualties in the attack.

The bulletin states that Iran, designated Iran a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” in 1984, has conducted "homeland-based plots have included, among other things, scouting and planning against infrastructure targets and cyber enabled attacks against a range of U.S.-based targets."

Further, Iran is capable, at minimum, of "carrying out attacks with temporary disruptive effects against critical infrastructure in the United States."

The bulletin clarifies, however, that "At this time we have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland. Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated the intent and capability to conduct operations in the United States."

The Department of Homeland Security states it is working closely with its federal, state, local, and private sector partners -- which no doubt would include security officers -- to detect and defend against threats to the United States.

Here are some suggestions from the bulletin:

See Something – Say Something

Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement who are best to offer specific details on terroristic indicators.

• Report suspicious activity or information about a threat, including online activity, to fusion centers and the FBI’s Field Offices – part of the Nationwide
Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.
• Learn how to recognize signs of pre-operational planning associated with terrorism or other criminal activity.

BE PREPARED

• Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious emails, and network delays.
• Be responsible for your personal safety. Know where emergency exits and security personnel are located. Carry emergency contact and special needs information with you.
• Implement basic cyber hygiene practices such as effecting data backups and employing multi-factor authentication. For more information visit
CISA.gov.
• Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees. Security tools/resources can be accessed through the DHS’s Hometown Security Campaign.

STAY INFORMED

• The U.S. Government will provide additional information about any emerging threat as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.

• We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public events, and freely associate with others but remain vigilant and aware of surroundings.
• The Department of State issues international travel alerts and warnings.

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