MI5 Warns Britain Facing Double Terrorism Threat

MI5 today announced there was a "strong possibility" of an attack on the British mainland by dissident Irish republican terrorists, in addition to the continuing risk of al-Qaida-inspired terrorism.

The Guardian has learned of three reasons that have led the domestic intelligence agency to raise the threat level from moderate to substantial.

There is growing concern over the sophistication of attacks being carried out in Northern Ireland. Second, bomb makers with expertise gained from the long Provisional IRA campaign of violence are believed to be now helping dissident republican terrorists. And the capability of the dissidents to stage attacks is thought to be nearly as dangerous as was that of the Provisional IRA.

Today's announcement by the home secretary, Theresa May, means MI5 believes the threat is at its highest for at least a decade. Security officials are combating this threat, plus what is assessed to be the greater threat from al-Qaida-inspired terrorists, who remain "highly likely" to stage an attack.'

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