Latest news with #NationalTerrorismAdvisorySystem
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Homan: Iranian terror cells ‘significant threat'
President Trump's border czar Tom Homan on Tuesday said Iranian terror cells are a 'significant threat' to Americans, stressing border security after the U.S. stepped into the conflict between Iran and Israel. 'Let me start with the Iranian threat. … How big of a threat do these terrorist cells pose to Americans?' Fox Business's Maria Bartiromo asked. 'Well, it's a significant threat,' Homan said. 'And I have been talking about this for four years,' he added. 'When I was a Fox News contributor, before I came back with President Trump, and for four years I said my biggest concern is the open border causing the biggest national security vulnerability this country has ever seen.' Homan suggested that these cells are 'involved in a lot of crime,' including drug and sex trafficking, 'because they've got to finance their activity.' His comments come after the U.S. got involved in an ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran by bombing Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this week warned that the threat of sleeper cells in the U.S. has 'never been higher,' though it cited no specific threats. A memo sent Saturday from CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, obtained by The Hill's sister network NewsNation, said 'thousands of Iranian nationals have been documented entering the United States illegally and countless more were likely in the known and unknown got-aways.' 'Though we have not received any specific credible threats to share with you all currently, the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran, has never been higher,' Scott added. The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin on Sunday warning of a 'heightened threat environment' after the strikes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Homan: Iranian terror cells ‘significant threat'
President Trump's border czar Tom Homan on Tuesday said Iranian terror cells are a 'significant threat' to Americans, stressing border security after the U.S. stepped into the conflict between Iran and Israel. 'Let me start with the Iranian threat … How big of a threat do these terrorist cells pose to Americans?' Fox Business's Maria Bartiromo asked. 'Well, it's a significant threat,' Homan said. 'And I have been talking about this for four years,' he added. 'When I was a Fox News contributor, before I came back with President Trump, and for four years I said my biggest concern is the open border causing the biggest national security vulnerability this country has ever seen.' Homan suggested that these cells are 'involved in a lot of crime,' including drug and sex trafficking, 'because they've got to finance their activity.' His comments come after the U.S. got involved in an ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran after bombing Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this week warned that the threat of sleeper cells in the U.S. has 'never been higher,' though it cited no specific threats. A memo sent Saturday from CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, obtained by The Hill's sister network NewsNation, said 'thousands of Iranian nationals have been documented entering the United States illegally and countless more were likely in the known and unknown got-aways.' 'Though we have not received any specific credible threats to share with you all currently, the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran has never been higher,' Scott added. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) bulletin on Sunday warning of a 'heightened threat environment' after the strikes.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business Insider
The 10 most peaceful countries in the world, ranked
Amid global and domestic tensions, some Americans are looking to move abroad. For summer travelers, current tensions also might put pressure on travel plans. These 10 countries are ranked as the most peaceful by the Global Peace Index. Amid international conflicts and domestic tensions, the US might not feel like the safest place to live right now. That's not totally off base: The US is ranked the 128th most peaceful country in the world — behind nations including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and India — by the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), which considers factors like societal safety and security, ongoing conflicts, and country militarization. Some Americans have even considered moving overseas, due to factors including crime rates, work-life balance, cost of living, and parenting values. A Gallup poll released in October 2024 showed that 21% of polled Americans expressed a desire to move abroad, up from 17% in 2023 and 10% in 2011. However, Gallup also found the US was the most desired destination for citizens from other countries to move to. In recent days, international peace has gained new importance for those looking to travel or move abroad. After the US strikes on Iran 's nuclear sites, the National Terrorism Advisory System issued a bulletin warning of a "heightened threat environment in the United States." While a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been declared, it remains to be seen if it will hold. Here are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. 10. Finland Finland was ranked as the third most peaceful country on the societal safety and security domain of the GPI, which looks at homicide rates, political terror, and violent demonstrations, and perceptions of criminality. As well as being one of the 10 most peaceful places in the world, the country has also consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world, attracting expats looking for a higher quality of life. 9. Slovenia Slovenia, first lady Melania Trump 's home country, ranked as the sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI militarization domain, which looks at factors like military expenditure and weapons exports. The country is often categorized as a hidden gem in Europe for travelers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes. 8. Denmark Denmark is ranked as the world's sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI societal safety and security domain. However, the country did see a relative deterioration in its militarization ranking as it increased its military spending, where it falls near nations like Libya and Trinidad and Tobago. It has been ranked as the country with the best quality of life in the world, which looks at factors like cost of living, job markets, and quality of healthcare. 7. Portugal For Americans looking to move abroad, Portugal has emerged as a recent favorite. A survey of over 116,000 Americans who were interested in moving abroad in 2024 showed the country as the most requested destination, according to Expatsi, a website with resources for Americans looking to relocate. The country was ranked the second most peaceful in the world based on the GPI militarization domain. 6. Singapore Singapore, which was ranked as the second-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region on the GPI ranking, is another popular destination for American expats, including those looking for entrepreneur economies like that of Silicon Valley. The country was ranked in the top five in the societal safety and security and ongoing conflicts domains of the GPI. 5. Switzerland Housing Geneva, the global "Peace Capital," Switzerland ranked in the top 10 most peaceful cities in the ongoing conflicts and societal safety and security GPI domains. 4. Austria Austria has stayed in the top most peaceful countries since the GPI began measuring global peace in 2008. Vienna, Austria's capital, has been ranked as the world's most livable city and one of the best destinations for expats to move. 3. New Zealand 2. Ireland 1. Iceland
Axios
5 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Colorado braces for heightened threats after strikes on Iran
Colorado leaders are on high alert after Saturday's U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and Monday's retaliatory missile attacks on an American military base in the Middle East. Why it matters: Colorado is home to some of the U.S. military's most critical infrastructure, including Space Force bases, satellite command centers and missile warning systems — all of which could be viewed as strategic targets if tensions escalate. What they're saying: The state "has not been made aware of any Colorado-specific threats" but is working with local and federal agencies to monitor for "suspicious activity" to the state's infrastructure and military assets, Gov. Jared Polis' spokesperson Shelby Wieman told Axios Denver on Monday. State of play: On Sunday, Polis and other U.S. governors were briefed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the release of a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin outlining a heightened national threat environment. As of Monday, Denver International Airport remains in business-as-usual mode, a spokesperson told Axios Denver, with no changes to operations or security protocol. Context: That's because the U.S. State Department's new " Worldwide Caution" alert issued in the wake of Saturday's strikes is focused on potential threats to Americans and U.S. interests abroad, not domestic travel. DIA said it "will adhere to federal guidance should conditions change." Meanwhile, Denver's Office of Emergency Management is "actively monitoring the situation," spokesperson Loa Esquilin-Garcia told Axios, and encouraging the public "to be prepared, vigilant [and] aware of their surroundings, and to report suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement." Threat level: U.S. officials have warned of cyber attacks, travel disruptions, demonstrations and heightened security following the strikes. Zoom in: Colorado is a hub for national security assets, including: Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, which houses the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) — the eyes and ears of the U.S. missile warning system. Schriever and Peterson Space Force Bases near Colorado Springs, which manage satellite operations, global communications and defense tracking. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a Cold War-era bunker that's still active as a secure backup for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Between the lines: Colorado's high-value military footprint makes it a strategic asset — but also a potential vulnerability — in any conflict where space-based systems and communications infrastructure may be in the crosshairs. What we're watching: Any signals of increased security in sensitive areas, including places of worship, and growing protest activity. Already, at least one rally denouncing the U.S. strikes took place Sunday outside the state Capitol in Denver.
Mint
6 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Here's how cyberwarfare takes centre stage in escalating Iran-Israel conflict, details report
As the war between Iran and Israel rages on with deadly missile exchanges and airstrikes, a quieter but equally volatile battleground has emerged in cyberspace, where both nations are deploying their digital arsenals in increasingly aggressive campaigns. What began as shadowy online skirmishes has now escalated into a full-fledged cyberwar, prompting warnings from security officials that the digital conflict may soon entangle the United States and its critical infrastructure, reported Politico. According to the publication, following recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, cyber experts and government agencies are bracing for retaliatory attacks that could target American energy grids, water systems, and essential services. The US Department of Homeland Security's National Terrorism Advisory System has flagged a heightened threat environment, citing the possibility of low-level intrusions from pro-Iranian hacktivists and more sophisticated operations directed by Tehran's cyber units. 'Cyber is one of the tools of Iran's asymmetric warfare,' said Alex Vatanka, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, the media outlet reported. 'They may not match Israel or the US in capability, but Iran has repeatedly used cyber tools to project power beyond its borders.' The US Cyber Command is reportedly assisting military operations, though details of its involvement remain classified. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and former Director Jen Easterly have urged American firms to heighten their cyber defences, warning that Iranian groups may be preparing for attacks on civilian infrastructure akin to those seen in previous confrontations. Israel and Iran, both considered cyber powerhouses in their own right, have a long history of digital hostilities. In the wake of the October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, the cyber dimension of the conflict took on a sharper edge. Iranian hackers breached an Israeli hospital last year, stealing sensitive patient data. In retaliation, Israeli operatives disrupted petrol distribution across Iran by hacking into its national fuel infrastructure. Last week, Israeli-linked group Predatory Sparrow claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on Iran's Bank Sepah and Nobitex, the country's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The group allegedly drained around $90 million and leaked source code files online. These incidents were accompanied by digital assaults on Iranian state media, some of which briefly broadcast anti-government messages before the Iranian regime initiated a nationwide internet shutdown that, as of Sunday, remained largely in effect. In response, Iranian officials have taken drastic measures, ordering top leaders to cease using internet-connected and mobile devices to mitigate further Israeli incursions. The government's paranoia is not unfounded, previous cyberattacks have targeted communication systems used by Hezbollah, Iran's Lebanon-based proxy, reportedly causing widespread damage and injuries. The media report added that despite Iran's resilience and retaliatory strikes, experts widely agree that Israel maintains a technological edge. 'The Iranians are improving, but they're not yet operating at the level of the Israelis or Americans,' said Vatanka. 'Cyber operations from Iran often aim to instil fear, sow confusion, and degrade morale rather than cause direct physical damage,' said John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google's Threat Intelligence Group. 'They're particularly focused on cyber espionage, tracking movement, intercepting communication, and identifying targets.'
