‘Stay alert, keep a low profile’ — US warns Americans in UK over terror threat

The United States has asked Americans in the United Kingdom to stay alert following the notice of a “severe” terrorism threat in the country.

On Thursday, the UK raised its terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” after an antisemitic attack.

A “severe” threat level means a terrorist attack is highly likely to occur.

According to the UK government, the change follows the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London, on Wednesday.

Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine were identified as the victims of the attack.

The Metropolitan Police had declared the stabbing a terrorist incident.

Dan Jarvis, UK security minister, said the decision to raise the threat level was “not solely as a result of that attack”, but had also been “driven by an increase in broader Islamist and extreme right-wing” threats.

In the security alert published on Friday, the US embassy urged Americans in the UK to take certain precautions, including keeping a low profile and being security conscious.

“Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, churches, tourist locations, and transportation hubs. Vary your travel routes and times to reduce predictability,” the US embassy said.

“Keep a low profile. Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events. Review your personal security plans. Report social media threats and suspicious activity to local authorities. Monitor local news for updates.” (TheCable)