[Epoch Times, August 14, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Chen Ting comprehensive report) Due to the spread of the Delta epidemic, some states in the United States have reissued mask orders and other stricter epidemic prevention restrictions. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned in a recent announcement that violent extremists may conduct violent attacks on the grounds of re-imposing COVID-19 blockade restrictions.
The announcement also stated that “targeted violent incidents” may also occur on the 20th anniversary of the “911 terrorist attacks” and around religious holidays.
On Friday (August 13th), US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas (Alejandro Mayorkas) issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) announcement, introducing the current high tensions across the United States. Threaten the environment.
The announcement said: “These threats include domestic terrorists, individuals and violent groups based on dissatisfaction and hatred, and those affected or abetted by foreign terrorists and other malicious activities.”
According to the department, these actors have recently been found to “use more and more online forums to influence and spread violent extremist speech and promote violent activities”.
The global pandemic has also exacerbated this threat, including dissatisfaction with public health security measures and blockade restrictions.
The announcement stated that the pressures related to COVID-19 “have contributed to an increase in social pressure and tensions and promoted some conspiracies by violent extremists in the country, which may trigger more violence this year.”
In a notice issued in May, the Department of Homeland Security warned that domestic extremists may use measures to relax COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year to launch attacks on a wider range of targets.
The new announcement also mentioned that the differentiation and rumors of foreign rivals such as China and Russia may also exacerbate this threat.
“Opponents have intensified their efforts to sow discord. For example, media organizations related to the governments of Russia, China, and Iran have repeatedly amplified conspiracy theories about the origin of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of the vaccine; in some cases, they have also increased their opposition The violent appeal of the Asian ethnic group.” The announcement stated.
The Department of Homeland Security said it is promoting “authoritative sources of information” in order to “refute” and “prevent” false information when possible.
The announcement also pointed out that Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula) has recently released the first English edition of “Inspiration” magazine.
The Department of Homeland Security said: “This shows that foreign terrorist organizations continue to try to influence Americans who are vulnerable to violent extremism.”
The department also called for people to strengthen their “digital media literacy” to identify false and harmful narratives and build resilience.
Editor in charge: Ye Ziwei#
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