West Midlands Police. Counter Terrorism Unit - Report

Area of business update – West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WM CTU)

Threat Assessment April 1st 2014

International Terrorism

 International Terrorism presents the greatest threat to the UK in terms of Counter Terrorism (CT) and Domestic Extremism (DE). The current threat level is

SUBSTANTIAL = an attack is a strong possibility.

Islamist extremists continue to view the UK as a legitimate and high priority target for attack, both at home and abroad.

Whilst sustained activities against the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have severely disrupted Al Qaeda’s (AQ) ability, the group and their key affiliates have displayed resilience and attack planning remains a principal threat.

Increasingly, the greatest risk of attack planning emanates from self-organised domestic plots inspired by AQ ideology.

Travel presents an ongoing threat nationally. Whilst the FATA remains an attractive destination, the increasing number of British nationals travelling to Syria presents a significant risk.

Four individuals from the West Midlands region have recently been disrupted following travel to Syria. A further three have been arrested for activities in support of Syria, one of whom has been released without charge. Reasons for travel are diverse and include the historical and religious significance of Syria and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Northern Ireland Related Terrorism

The overall threat to the UK mainland from Northern Irish Related Terrorism is

MODERATE = an attack is possible but not likely.

Between the 11th-13th February, seven small postal IEDs were recovered at military recruitment centres in the South of England. All seven contained crude but viable explosive devises. The New IRA claimed responsibility for these devices in the Irish News on the 17th February. Due to the construction of the devices, it is assessed the intent was to attract publicity rather than to cause serious injury.

 

Whilst this highlights the continued threat from Republican terrorist groups who maintain an aspiration to attack the UK mainland, this has not changed the overall threat level.

Sikh Extremism

There has been a low level response by Sikh communities in the West Midlands following the release of documentation which suggests possible HMG links to the 1984 Amritsar atrocity. However, Sikh extremists in the UK continue to engage in attack planning when the opportunity presents itself. This was evidenced in the West Midlands region in September 2012 when two individuals (Wolverhampton & Birmingham) were charged with Wounding with intent following an attack on the former Indian Army General Khuldeep Singh BRAR who was involved in the Golden temple operation.


Syria

Syria continues to dominate the threat picture in the region with individuals travelling from the West Midlands to Syria. The greatest threat is posed by those individuals who travel to Syria and then return to the UK with increased intent and capability. A number of individuals have returned to the West Midlands having travelled to Syria and are assessed to have engaged in nefarious activities whilst overseas. The main threats can be categorised as follows:

An attack is planned against the UK by groups in Syria using returnees from the UK;

An attack is planned in the UK by self-organised and inspired individuals who use their experience and training gained in Syria.

Individuals who return to the UK with enhanced status following their time in Syria and use this to influence other British residents to attack the UK.

Syria continues to be of significant concern with local communities, particularly the Muslim community, with charity events and aid fund raising taking place. We are aware of members of the community travelling out to Syria in support of the aid effort and some of our key community contacts who have returned from Syria have been able to share their experiences and help us to begin to shape our partnership approach to supporting local communities.

 


It is clear that there is large scale support locally for the humanitarian effort and funds being collected through events and at many religious establishments across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Local community members refer to a religious obligation to protect fellow Muslims which has resulted in local individuals travelling to Syria to help charities and the general humanitarian effort as well as others becoming involved in the conflict.

3 arrests of young Muslim men have been made from the Birmingham area in recent weeks following their return from Syria and their suspected involvement in terrorist activity abroad. 2 have been charged and await trial, with the 3rd individual currently on Police bail pending further enquiries by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

These cases of travel for terrorist purposes are similar to those seen in other regions across the country.

The recent arrest and charge of Moazzam Begg and 2 others in Birmingham prompted further local discussion within the community, particularly raising concerns regarding what is perceived to be conflict between the Government's Foreign Policy and the national messaging from the Home Office and Police Forces relating to travel to Syria.

Planning is currently ongoing to prepare a Partnership event on 1st April in Birmingham involving the community, Local Authority, Police, and other partner agencies to raise awareness of the issues relating to Syria and to agree a 'Syria' action plan. The main aims of the plan are to identify ways of supporting the local community in managing vulnerability and safely supporting the humanitarian effort.

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures

All individuals previously subject of TPIM’s are now managed through joint plans between our partners and WM CTU in order to monitor activity and manage the risk they may pose to local communities and national security. These plans include direct engagement with the individuals and their families through Prevent officers. Regular strategic and operational meetings continue to take place between WMCTU and partners to oversee the plans and provide a continual risk assessment.

One West Midlands subject remains on remand following a number of breaches of his TPIM order. A trial date is yet to be identified. Any breaches of TPIM conditions are robustly investigated and referred to CPS with a view to securing a successful prosecution.