McCaul releases terror threat snapshot for month of February

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) recently reported in the Homeland Security Terror Threat Snapshot for the month of February that ISIS’ external operations are undiminished and that European nations are moving forward with counterterrorism reforms to deal with the evolving terror threat.

“I am very encouraged that the Trump Administration is preparing to put greater pressure on jihadists in their safe havens throughout the world,” McCaul said. “But as they do, we can expect to see militants returning to the West to build new networks and to plot more deadly operations. I look forward to working with the new administration on shutting down terror pathways in America. We must also remain vigilant here at home, because Americans are being radicalized at an alarming rate.”

McCaul cited an ISIS-linked attack on a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, which left 39 people dead to demonstrate the terror group’s continued ability to organize major attacks on innocent civilians. McCaul also said Europe has continued security weaknesses that makes European countries more vulnerable to an attack that their American counterparts.

The report states that ISIS, with their radicalized ideology, may have inspired the recent attack on the Ft. Lauderdale airport by a mentally unstable gunman.

McCaul, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, releases the monthly terror assessment to inform the public on the evolving threat of terrorism at home and abroad.