United States Department of Homeland Security warned on Wednesday that the country faces a “heightened threat environment” in the holiday season. The threat is posed by people influenced by foreign terror groups and domestic extremists.

In the latest national terrorism advisory bulletin issued by Homeland Security officials, areas where mass gatherings are expected can be potential targets for such acts. However, so far there is no credible information available on any specific threat.

“The Homeland continues to face a diverse and challenging threat environment”, the Homeland security advisory said, according to reports from Associated Press. 

This is the fourth time this year the agency has issued a bulletin, highlighting the perceived danger from a volatile mix of domestic extremists, often motivated by racially or ethnically motivated hate, and homegrown extremists inspired by overseas groups.

It reflects a shift from the focus on Al-Qaida and other organizations following the creation of the Department of Homeland Security after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

While the language of the bulletin seems to be similar to the ones issued previously, it takes into account the recent geopolitical developments that are linked to the United States. 

The bulletin carries are warning about groups like Al-Qaida and Islamic State, which may use the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan as a basis to encourage violence, according to reports from Associated Press.

At the same time, some domestic extremists have sought to use the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States to stir up anti-Muslim hatred.

From 2010 through 2020, racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists advocating for the superiority of the white race have committed 18 lethal attacks in the United States, killing 70 people in attacks that typically focused on houses of worship, including in Charleston and Pittsburgh, according to the FBI.

(With AP inputs)