There were no significant, confirmed terrorist attacks in the UK or other Advanced Market countries in March 2020. However, a mass-shooting in Atlanta, US, highlights definitional issues in categorising certain attacks as terrorist in nature in different jurisdictions, as well as highlights the threat of Christian fundamentalist violence in the US.
Separately, an Islamist extremist was found guilty of preparing a bladed weapon attack in London during the first coronavirus lockdown, highlighting the enduring threat of terrorism amidst lockdown restrictions. Further afield, Daesh terrorists killed dozens of people and disrupted liquid natural gas (LNG) production at a Total site in northern Mozambique.
The UK government also released the Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy this month. The Review highlighted the enduring threat of Islamist and Northern-Ireland related terrorism, with the threat of far-right extremism also remaining a concern. Furthermore, the Review observed that a successful chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) terrorist attack is likely in the UK by 2030.
Counter Terrorism Policing also released a toolkit for businesses on 31 March to assist them in keeping customers safe as lockdown in the UK begins to lift. The toolkit can be accessed here.
Read the full update here
