Federal authorities have issued a bulletin warning that foreign terrorist organizations continue to encourage attacks within the United States and have released propaganda related to the 9/11 attacks in advance of previous anniversaries. The bulletin, reviewed by ABC News, expresses concern that individuals in the U.S. may be inspired to commit violence or engage in hoax threats, particularly with the upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. These actors have demonstrated a willingness to act with little to no warning.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the U.S. is currently facing a “heightened and increasingly complex terrorism threat environment” that has significantly evolved since the 2001 attacks. Previously, the primary concern stemmed from centralized international terrorist organizations. Today, while these groups remain a threat, the landscape is broader and more dispersed, with individuals and small cells plotting attacks independently and often motivated by diverse ideological and political goals.
Groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda are actively seeking methods to carry out or inspire attacks in the U.S. Concurrently, domestic terrorists continue to plan acts of violence, frequently driven by anti-government sentiments and a desire to destabilize society. Officials noted that in the past 18 months, the FBI has arrested at least 16 individuals within the U.S. suspected of plotting or supporting plots to harm Americans on behalf of al-Qaeda or ISIS.
Overseas, ISIS is estimated to have up to 18,000 members, while al-Qaeda’s ranks could reach 28,000, according to a March report from the U.S. intelligence community, which also highlighted the groups’ continued reliance on social media to reach American audiences.
Evolving Threats and Technologies
Beyond the shifting threat landscape, the Department of Homeland Security also noted that terrorists are increasingly experimenting with artificial intelligence. This includes using generative AI to create and disseminate violent online propaganda, and to explore methods for developing explosives and biological agents for attacks. The department warns that AI advancements could accelerate terrorist activities, make them more scalable, and harder to detect.
Law enforcement is also closely monitoring the potential use of drones in terrorist activities. While large-scale attacks involving drones have not yet occurred in the U.S., the department acknowledges the possibility of drones being used near critical infrastructure or to disrupt emergency response operations. FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia stated that drones are a significant concern and are being prioritized, acknowledging the likelihood of their future use in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security was established in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to consolidate agencies responsible for protecting the homeland.