Retired U.S. general David Petraeus has warned that the risk of a terror attack in Canada is now “elevated” following a terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow that left 139 people dead. An ISIS splinter group claimed responsibility for the attack, which is considered to be the deadliest terrorist incident on Russian soil in the past two decades. Petraeus expressed his concerns about the current state of extremism and global instability, stating that the world is facing more threats and more complex threats than at any time since the end of the Cold War or World War Two.
The Islamic State group ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow, which occurred during a performance by Russian rock band Picnic. Several men raided the concert venue, opening fire on the crowd, leading to a blaze that caused the roof of the building to cave in. The tragedy has sparked fears of similar attacks in other parts of the world, including Canada. Petraeus emphasized that successful attacks can inspire copycats and motivate others to carry out similar acts of violence, making the threat of terrorism a significant concern globally.
Canada’s Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) had previously warned that extremists motivated by conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas dispute could target events in Canada, potentially carried out by radicalized lone actors using readily available weapons. Petraeus noted that the U.S. has methods to warn other countries about possible terrorist threats but acknowledged that they had missed the Moscow attack. He highlighted the complex challenges faced by the U.S. and its allies, including tensions with China, Iran’s nuclear program, and the increasing aggressiveness of Russia, along with cyber threats, extremist groups, and other criminal activities.
Petraeus stressed the importance of countries working together to address these challenges and prevent significant threats from materializing. He compared the situation to spinning plates on sticks, where each plate represents a different complex challenge that must be managed simultaneously to maintain peace and security. The retired general emphasized the need for cooperation and coordination among nations to ensure that all significant threats are addressed effectively. He called for individual countries to assume their share of the responsibility and work in unity with others to manage the global security landscape effectively.
In light of the recent terror attack in Moscow, Petraeus expressed his concern about the evolving nature of terrorism and the increasing complexity of threats facing the world. He emphasized the need for vigilance and cooperation among nations to prevent similar incidents from happening in other countries, including Canada. The retired general highlighted the importance of intelligence-sharing and global coordination in addressing terrorism and maintaining peace and security worldwide. He called for a united effort to confront the various challenges posed by nation-states, extremist groups, cyber threats, and other destabilizing factors.
