FBI & DHS: Islamic State Poses No Credible Threat to US – Sec. Hagel Says Opposite

Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have said that there are no credible threats to the United States from the Islamic State terror group, according to an intelligence memo issued to both state and local authorities, the AP reported.

However, the Joint Intelligence Bulletin from the FBI and DHS encouraged citizens to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local police or the FBI.” The statement said that officials are working “around the clock with our partners in the law enforcement community to share and assess information.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel struck a far different chord last week, describing the Islamic State as “beyond anything we’ve seen.” Hagel called upon U/S/ intelligence and national security resources to “take a cold steely look” and to “get ready” for a “9/11-level threat” to the United States, saying the group is as “sophisticated and well-funded as any organization we’ve seen,” and how it presents a “whole new dynamic” as a national security challenge.

“They’re beyond just a terrorist group. They marry ideology and a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess. They are tremendously well-funded… This is beyond anything we’ve seen, so we must prepare for everything,” said Secretary of Defense Hagel.

In a recent Pentagon news conference, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey said the jihadi group is an “immediate threat” to the United States.