TIME 

If You See Something, Say SomethingSM. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

The National Terrorism Advisory System provides information on homeland security issues and threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland 

Security. More information is available at: www.dhs.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: www.twitter.com/dhsgov 

If You See Something Say SomethingSM used with permission of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin 

www.dhs.gov/advisories January 4, 2020 

BE PREPARED

• Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious 

emails, and network delays.

• Be responsible for your personal safety. Know 

where emergency exits and security personnel 

are located. Carry emergency contact and 

special needs information with you. 

• Implement basic cyber hygiene practices such 

as effecting data backups and employing multifactor authentication. For more information visit 

CISA.gov. 

• Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare 

businesses & employees. Security 

tools/resources can be accessed through the 

DHS’s Hometown Security Campaign.

SUMMARY OF TERRORISM THREAT TO THE U.S. HOMELAND DURATION

This Bulletin will 

expire on or before

January 18, 2020 

 at 1:00 PM EST 

• The United States designated Iran a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” in 1984 and since then, 

Iran has actively engaged in or directed an array of violent and deadly acts against the 

United States and its citizens globally. The United States designated Iran’s Islamic 

Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a Foreign Terrorist Organization on April 15, 2019 for 

its direct involvement in terrorist plotting.

• On January 2, 2020, the United States carried out a lethal strike in Iraq killing Iranian 

IRGC-Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani while Soleimani was in Iraq.

• Iranian leadership and several affiliated violent extremist organizations publicly stated 

they intend to retaliate against the United States.

• At this time we have no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland. 

Iran and its partners, such as Hizballah, have demonstrated the intent and capability to 

conduct operations in the United States.

• Previous homeland-based plots have included, among other things, scouting and 

planning against infrastructure targets and cyber enabled attacks against a range of U.S.-

based targets.

• Iran maintains a robust cyber program and can execute cyber attacks against the United 

States. Iran is capable, at a minimum, of carrying out attacks with temporary disruptive 

effects against critical infrastructure in the United States.

• Iran likely views terrorist activities as an option to deter or retaliate against its perceived 

adversaries. In many instances, Iran has targeted United States interests through its 

partners such as Hizballah.

• Homegrown Violent Extremists could capitalize on the heightened tensions to launch 

individual attacks.

• An attack in the homeland may come with little or no warning.

• The Department of Homeland Security is working closely with our federal, state, local, 

and private sector partners to detect and defend against threats to the Homeland, and 

will enhance security measures as necessary.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Report suspicious activity to local law 

enforcement who are best to offer 

specific details on terroristic indicators.

• Report suspicious activity or information 

about a threat, including online activity, 

to fusion centers and the FBI’s Field 

Offices – part of the Nationwide 

Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative. 

• Learn how to recognize signs of 

pre-operational planning associated with 

terrorism or other criminal activity.

STAY INFORMED

• The U.S. Government will provide additional 

information about any emerging threat as 

additional information is identified. The 

public is encouraged to listen to local law 

enforcement and public safety officials.

• We urge Americans to continue to travel, 

attend public events, and freely associate 

with others but remain vigilant and aware of 

surroundings.

• The Department of State issues 

international travel alerts and warnings. 

• For additional information visit Ready.

TYPES OF 

ADVISORIES

Bulletin

Describes current 

developments or 

general trends 

regarding threats 

of terrorism.

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible 

terrorism threat 

against the United 

States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a 

credible, specific 

and impending 

terrorism threat 

against the United 

States.