The Northern Ireland terrorism threat level has been decreased from severe to substantial, according to MI5. The change of status comes after a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the latest intelligence and analysis of factors that drive the threats. While the risk of an attack remains possible, it is now considered less likely than highly likely in the case of a severe level. The UK’s Security Service reviewed the situation, following a rise in dissident republican activity in March 2020 that led to upgrading of the rating. The government, police, and intelligence teams would continue to work tirelessly to tackle terrorism, added NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
The responsibility of setting the Northern Ireland terrorism threat level lies with MI5 rather than the PSNI or government, and the threat level has been publishing since 2010, and is reviewed every six months. Terrorist threat levels provide a gauge of the likelihood of an attack, ranging from low to critical. There are five levels demonstrating different probabilities. The low level means an attack is unlikely, while a critical level signifies imminence.
The focus of Northern Ireland related terrorism is being addressed by the PSNI and MI5, resulting in this reduction of the threat level. Nevertheless, there are still some people determined to destabilise the political resolution in Northern Ireland by engaging in terrorist actions. Chris Heaton-Harris said a sustained and successful effort by the police service of Northern Ireland and MI5 had led to the reduced threat level. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any worries they may have and repeated that the threat level would be continuously reviewed, keeping the monitoring of the security situation under surveillance.
Last year, the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland was heightened to severe from substantial by MI5 following a gun attack on Det Ch Insp John Caldwell, who was putting footballs in his car boot after coaching a youth training session in Omagh, County Tyrone. Detective Caldwell has led high-profile investigations into murders, organized crime, and dissident Republicans.
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