By Glynn Cosker
Editor, In Homeland Security
Fearing attacks by rogue U.S.-based ISIS surrogate terrorists, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a warning Sunday to all current and former military personnel.
The joint statement warns that ISIS factions overseas are publicly encouraging attacks on military members and are looking to recruit “like-minded” individuals in the U.S. to carry out the terrorist acts.
“We also request members of the military review their online social media presence for any information that might attract the attention of violent extremists,” reads the FBI bulletin further advising military personnel to “use caution and practice operational security when posting” to social media.
The bulletin speaks of “individuals overseas spotting and assessing” people in the U.S. based on profile descriptions found on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.
According to statement, all U.S. military members should “exercise operational security” when encountering any threats. The bulletin suggests individuals revise their online postings to ensure they don’t become easy targets for terrorists.
As reported by CNN, the bulletin also cites the October Ottawa gunman who shot and killed a Canadian soldier before storming Parliament. The bulletin warns of copycat attacks in the U.S. by emboldened violent extremists.
Sunday’s bulletin follows a similar caution two months earlier that warned law enforcement personnel to beware of “lone wolf” attacks. Such tactics are a growing concern for counter-terrorism authorities worldwide. In September, Australian officials scuttled an ISIS-like public beheading of a citizen.
The latest FBI and DHS bulletin was first reported by ABC News.
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