US agencies warn of threats on upcoming first anniversary of Gaza war
File photo.
Officials in the United States (US) warned on Friday (Oct 4) that the upcoming first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip couldserve as a motivator for acts of violence by extremists. The war in Gaza broke out on October 7 last year.
In a joint statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security said, "The FBI and DHS assess the first anniversary of October 7, 2023, attacks that initiated the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict, as well as any further significant escalations in the conflict, maybe a motivating factor for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to engage in violence or threaten public safety."
The agencies said that over the past year, they have observedviolent extremist activity and hate crimesin the US linked to the conflict.
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The potential threats
"Jewish, Muslim, or Arab institutions — including synagogues, mosques/Islamic centres, and community centres — and large public gatherings, such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations, present attractive targets for violent attacks or for hoax threats by a variety of threat actors, including violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators," the FBI and the DHS said.
"Such actors may view the anniversary as an opportunity to conduct an attack or other high-profile, illegal activity," their statement added.
The agencies also added that online messaging associated withFTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organisations)and other violent extremists highlighting the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks could motivate threat actors across ideologies, including those who espouse violent anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, to engage in violence.
The precautions
The joint statement advised people to call 911to report emergencies, including imminent threats to life. "Be aware of your surroundings at all times and report suspicious activities to the authorities," the statement said.
"The FBI and DHS encourage the public to promptly report information concerning suspicious activity to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)," the statement added.