Liam Quinn, Daily Mail, May 17, 2017

Homegrown terrorists currently pose one of the most serious threats to the US since the September 11 attacks, experts have warned.

The Department of Homeland Security issued an updated bulletin through the National Terrorism Advisory System late on Monday night.

‘We face one of the most serious terror threat environments since the 9/11 attacks as foreign terrorist organizations continue to exploit the Internet to inspire, enable, or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit terrorist acts,’ it states.

‘Terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy-to-use tools to target public places and events.

‘Specific attack tactics have included the use of vehicle ramming, small arms, straight-edged blades or knives, and homemade explosives, as well as other acts such as taking hostages.

‘Additionally, foreign terrorist fighters, who have acquired training and battle-tested terrorism experience, are likely to flee from terrorist-controlled territories with a desire to conduct attacks elsewhere, including the United States.’

Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly released a statement announcing the increased level on Monday.

‘We are in a generational fight against terrorist groups and those they inspire, and for us to protect our homeland we will need constant vigilance and clear focus on staying a step ahead of the enemy,’ it read.

‘After careful consideration of the current threat environment and input from intelligence and law enforcement partners, I have made the decision to update and extend for six months the NTAS Bulletin based on the persistent threat from homegrown terrorists.’