Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 27 February 2025

Faith-Based Security Headlines

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Israel suspected ramming attack injures at least 10 people: police | Fox News

A suspected ramming attack by a Palestinian man in Israel has left multiple people injured, with early reports putting the figure between 9-14 individuals. Reuters has reported on a police statement saying “Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately targeted civilians.” Police reported that a driver deliberately ran into pedestrians, causing the injuries in the central part of the country. Authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, although the exact motive remains unclear. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, and those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with security forced working to determine the full extent of the incident and whether it was a targeted assault.

Analyst Comments: The ongoing conflict between Israel and HAMAS continues to serve as motivation for hostile incidents around the globe. While we often speak of it in the context of events or facilities being targeted, this incident demonstrates how regular civilians conducting their daily business can be impacted. The increasing risk of vehicle-based attacks as a form of terrorism makes it important to note that these kinds of attacks are becoming more common worldwide because they are easy to carry out and can cause a lot of damage.

Vehicles as a Terrorist Weapon: History of the Last 20 Years

House Oversight Committee urges Trump to stop DOGE activities amid cybersecurity concerns

The U.S. House Oversight Committee has urged President Trump to stop activities by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing significant cybersecurity concerns. Reports indicate that DOGE’s actions have introduced vulnerabilities across several government networks, potentially exposing sensitive data to cyberattacks. These include the Treasury’s Secure Payment System and systems related to U.S. nuclear weapons. The committee demands a briefing from DOGE and detailed information about its cybersecurity measures by March 11. They also request a list of systems impacted and investigations into any cybersecurity breaches that may have jeopardized national security.

Analyst Comments: DOGE remains a hot button issue for a variety of reasons. As the announcement from the House Oversight Committee suggests, there is serious concern over some of the security protocols the DOGE team are, or are not following. Additionally, DOGE’s actions have sparked significant backlash across the U.S., leading both to protests, as well as hostile attacks targeting Elon Musk’s businesses.

Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS.

Mansuri Manuchekhri, a 33-year-old Tajik national residing in Brooklyn, was arrested for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and ISIS—Khorasan (ISIS-K). He is also charged with illegal possession of firearms and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri allegedly facilitated over $50,000 payments to ISIS affiliates in Syria and Turkey between 2021 and 2023. He expressed support for ISIS praised its past attacks, and possessed firearms despite being prohibited from doing so due to his illegal immigration status. Additionally, he attempted to secure legal status in the U.S through a fraudulent marriage.

Analyst Comments: Security experts have been sounding the alarm in recent months of the potential resurgence of ISIS. Recent attacks like the New Years Day attack in New Orleans, and the mass shooting plot in NYC highlight the terror group’s ability to inspire hostile actions across the globe. To help members stay up to date on the latest incidents, and threats to the faith-based community, we encourage members to get involved with the FB-ISAO Slack Workspace, where members and staff share threat intelligence, and mitigation best practices daily.

Islamist threat against Spanish cathedrals provokes calls for more security

The Observatory for Religious and Conscience (OLRC) in Spain has called for increased security at Spanish cathedrals following a threat issued by ISIS. A disturbing poster, depicting a terrorist with a knife and an image of a Spanish cathedral, is circulating online, accompanied by incitement to violence. This threat comes as large events are set to take place in cathedrals, including prayers for Pope Francis’ health. The OLRC is petitioning Spain’s Ministry of the Interior for stronger protections, citing previous attacks and the rising threat of jihadist violence targeting religious sites.

Analyst Comments: There is an increasing trend of jihadist groups targeting religious institutions globally, with cathedrals in Spain, given their historical importance and symbolism of Christianity, being seen as prime targets. This incident highlights the vulnerability of these sites to extremist attacks, raising global concerns about how to protect religious landmarks. Protecting Places of Worship and Holy Sites

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