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The Threat

There is a serious and sustained threat from international terrorism to the UK and UK interests overseas. Threat levels are assessed by Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). For more information about the threat visit www.mi5.gov.uk.

British citizens living abroad have also been targeted, for example, in 2003 the British Consulate in Istanbul when 3 British citizens were amongst 23 killed in a bomb attack against the Consulate building.

The most significant terrorist threat comes from Al Qaeda and associated networks. As the London terrorist attacks in July 2005 showed, an attack or multiple attacks may be mounted without warning. Information on Al Qaeda's typical methods of attack and targets and the current threat to the UK has been prepared by JTAC and is continually reviewed. For more information about the system to assess the threat from International Terrorism. (400kb pdf.)

Northern Ireland related terrorism continues to pose a threat. Dissident republican terrorist groups, such as RIRA and CIRA who have rejected the Good Friday Agreement of April 1998, still aspire to mount attacks in Great Britain. Northern Ireland related and other domestic terrorism threats are assessed by the Security Service (MI5).