Active UK Terrorism Groups
A list of terrorism groups that have been proscribed by the UK government
What is a proscribed terrorist organisation?
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism, and it is proportionate to do. For the purposes of the act, this means that the organisation:
- commits or participates in acts of terrorism
- prepares for terrorism
- promotes or encourages terrorism (including the unlawful glorification of terrorism)
- is otherwise concerned in terrorism
What is meant by ‘terrorism’ in the context of proscription?
The UK government defines “Terrorism” as the means the use or threat of action which:
- involves serious violence against a person
- involves serious damage to property
- endangers a person’s life (other than that of the person committing the act)
- creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or section of the public or is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system.
The use or threat of such action must be designed to:
- influence the government or an international governmental organisation
- intimidate the public or a section of the public
And must be undertaken for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
Proscribed Terrorist Organisations - Download
Wagner Group
Hostile State Actors
The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company established in 2014, has functioned as a proxy military force aligned with the interests of the Russian state. Operating across various regions such as Ukraine, Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, and Mali, the Wagner Group has engaged in actions that serve Russian political objectives.
Employing significant violence against both Ukrainian armed forces and civilians, the organization has sought to further Russia's strategic goals.
The Wagner Group has also been involved in preparatory acts for terrorism, which encompass activities aimed at inflicting serious harm on individuals or causing substantial damage to property. These actions serve to directly support political agendas and to intimidate adversaries, particularly within Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Wagner Group's presence in certain African states has been marked by allegations of severe violence and property damage.
The Base
Extreme Right Wing
The Base, primarily operating within the US, is a white supremacist group founded in 2018. It draws inspiration from the writings of James Mason, a prominent National Socialist, whose essays advocate violent means to precipitate the collapse of contemporary society through a 'race war' and the subsequent establishment of a white ethno-state. This ideology is commonly referred to as 'accelerationism'.
Despite outwardly portraying itself as a "self-defense and survivalist" organization, The Base is strongly suspected of preparing for terrorism. While denying any involvement in terrorist activities, the training it provides appears to be highly militaristic and geared towards offensive actions, potentially enhancing the capabilities and intentions of trainees to carry out terrorist acts.
Furthermore, The Base is believed to promote or endorse terrorism, with certain elements within its membership likely to perpetuate such actions. In late 2017, the group's founder released a series of videos discussing topics like "lone wolf" activities, leaderless resistance, and the advocacy of guerrilla warfare.
National Action
Extreme Right Wing
Established in 2013, National Action is a racist neo-Nazi group with branches spread across the UK, known for organizing provocative street demonstrations aimed at instilling fear in local communities.
Promoting virulent racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia, the group's ideology revolves around the belief in an impending violent 'race war' in Britain, where they envision themselves as active participants. Rejecting democracy and displaying hostility towards the British state, National Action seeks to sow division by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and perceived 'traitors'.
Their online presence is marked by the dissemination of highly graphic and violent propaganda through social media channels, glorifying those who commit extreme violence for political or ideological reasons. Notably, in 2016, the group's tweets in connection with the terrorist murder of Jo Cox included statements such as "Only 649 MPs to go".
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
Extremist
ISIL is a brutal Sunni Islamist terrorist group active in Iraq and Syria. The group adheres to a global jihadist ideology, following an extreme interpretation of Islam, which is anti-Western and promotes sectarian violence. ISIS aims to establish an Islamic State governed by Sharia law in the region and impose their rule on people using violence and extortion.
We are aware that a number of British nationals have travelled to Syria and some of these will inevitably be fighting with ISIL. It appears that ISIL is treating Iraq and Syria as one theatre of conflict and its potential ability to operate across the border must be a cause of concern for the whole international community.
In April 2014, ISIL claimed responsibility for a series of blasts targeting a Shia election rally in Baghdad. These attacks are reported to have killed at least 31 people. Thousands of Iraqi civilians lost their lives to sectarian violence in 2013, and attacks carried out by ISIL will have accounted for a large proportion of these deaths.
ISIL has reportedly detained dozens of foreign journalists and aid workers. In September 2013, members of the group kidnapped and killed the commander of Ahrar ash-Sham after he intervened to protect members of a Malaysian Islamic charity.
The government laid an Order in August 2014 which provides that “Islamic State (Dawlat al Islamiya)” should be treated as another name for the organisation which is already proscribed as ISIL. The UK does not recognise ISIL’s claims of a ‘restored’ Caliphate or a new Islamic State. The government laid an Order in February 2019, which provides that “Jaysh Khalid Bin Walid (JKbW) (JKW)” “Jaysh Khalid bin al-Walid (KBW)” and “Khalid ibn-Walid Army (KBWA)” should be treated as alternative names for the organisation which is already proscribed as ISIL.
Hizballah
Extremist
Hizballah is committed to armed resistance to the state of Israel and aims to seize all Palestinian territories and Jerusalem from Israel.
Hizballah was established during the Lebanese civil war and in the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. It supports terrorism in Iraq and the Palestinian territories. Its involvement in the Syrian civil war, since 2012, continues to prolong the conflict and the regime’s brutal and violent repression of the Syrian people - violating the Lebanese government’s policy of disassociation from regional conflicts.
Hizballah, as a political entity in Lebanon has won votes in legitimate elections and forms part of the Lebanese government. It has the largest non-state military force in the country.
The UK government proscribed Hizballah’s External Security Organisation in 2001. In 2008, the proscription was extended to include the whole of Hizballah’s military apparatus, namely the Jihad Council and all the units reporting to it.
Hizballah itself has publicly denied a distinction between its military and political wings. The group in its entirety is assessed to be concerned in terrorism.
Hamas
Extremist
Its main aims are to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation, the establishment of an Islamic state under Sharia law and the destruction of Israel (although Hamas no longer demands the destruction of Israel in its Covenant). Hamas formally established Hamas IDQ in 1992. Hamas IDQ was proscribed by the UK in March 2001. At the time it was HM government’s assessment that there was a sufficient distinction between the so called political and military wings of Hamas. The government now assess that the approach of distinguishing between the various parts of Hamas is artificial.
Hamas commits and participates in terrorism. Hamas has used indiscriminate rocket or mortar attacks, and raids against Israeli targets. During the May 2021 conflict, over 4,000 rockets were fired indiscriminately into Israel. Civilians, including 2 Israeli children, were killed as a result.
Hamas also prepares for acts of terrorism. One incident of preparatory activity is that Hamas recently launched summer camps in Gaza which focus on training groups, including minors, to fight. This is evidence of Hamas being responsible for running terrorist training camps in the region.
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