The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:52 PM

ISIS Claims Responsiblity For London Subway Terror Attack

LONDON — A homemade explosive set off a small fire on a train at a London subway station during rush hour Friday, injuring 29 people and prompting authorities to raise Britain’s terrorism threat level to “critical,” meaning another attack may be imminent.

The incident, which the Islamic State claimed was carried out by an affiliated unit, happened shortly after 8 a.m. local time when London's Underground system is crowded with commuters and children going to school. Most of the injuries were flash burns, London's Metropolitan Police said.

It was Britain's fifth terrorist attack this year.

Prime Minister Theresa May, acting on the recommendation of the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center, raised the country’s threat level from “severe” to “critical” — its highest possible level. May said military troops would augment the police presence in a “proportionate and sensible step,” the Associated Press reports.

Hundreds of investigators and intelligence officers are hunting for a suspect.

Isis Claims Responsibility For London Attacks