Deborah Haynes, Defence Editor | Hugh Tomlinson, Delhi | Tom Coghlan, Beirut A resurgent al-Qaeda is plotting attacks against Britain with renewed vigour as Islamic State comes under pressure, sources said last night. Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, also told The Times that the terrorist network posed a “very direct threat” to the UK and Europe. An offshoot in Syria — the Nusra Front, recently renamed the Fateh al-Sham Front — is regarded by the West as the most potent, with senior leaders believed to be on the ground actively working on attack plans. One figurehead of the group was reportedly killed in a US drone strike on Monday. Elements of Osama bin Laden’s core group are also returning to southern Afghanistan 15 years after they were forced to flee by the US-led invasion, while an… Want to read more? Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.
UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon warns that a resurgent al - Qaeda is plotting attacks against the UK and Europe with renewed purpose as the united State comes under increased pressure ; the offshoot - the Nusra Front , recently renamed the Fateh al - Sham Front - is being viewed as the most serious threat . " Al - Qaeda is still alive and thriving in Afghanistan , in ##dia , in Yemen and elsewhere . It has not been finally defeated and we are very conscious of that … It is a very direct threat to the UK ' warned ' . The son of Osama bin Laden , Hamza , is believed to have taken a prominent position in the re - formed al - Qaeda and has been releasing a series of auto messages over the past few months .