Spy Chief Reveals Rising Threats: GRU, Iran, and Resurgent Terrorism

The UK's MI5 chief highlights increasing threats from Russia's GRU and Iran, alongside resurgent terrorism from al Qaeda and Islamic State. Investigations into state threats have surged, and plots have been disrupted. Attacks motivated by Middle Eastern conflicts fuel UK terrorism concerns, with a significant rise in youth involvement.

In a recent address, the UK's domestic spy chief detailed escalating threats to Britain and Europe from Russia's GRU military intelligence service and Iran, as well as resurgent terrorism from al Qaeda and Islamic State.

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum noted a 48% rise in state threat investigations over the past year, with Russia and Iran resorting to proxies like criminals and drug traffickers to execute their plans.

The growing menace of terrorism, driven by Middle Eastern conflicts, remains a top concern, with a sharp increase in youth involvement, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.

(With inputs from agencies.)