UK on high alert after reports of Islamic State planning attack on Queen guards

London: Soldiers guarding key Royal palaces in the UK are on high alert following reports of a planned attack on the Queen’s guards by Islamic State militants.

The Queen’s Guard have been warned about the threat to kidnap and murder one of their member by Islamic State terrorists, according to a report in The Mirror.

“Intelligence picked up (internet) chatter which is being taken seriously. IS know it would be very difficult to attack a member of the Royal family, but one of the Queen’s Guard would be a huge target for them,” the report said quoting a source as saying.

“Action has been taken accordingly. The threat is so acute some guards have already been moved.”

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Troops will stay out in the open on Horse Guards Parade as the defiant Queen insists on maintaining tradition.

But now they have a guard of their own — as specialist armed officers discreetly back them up as they stand in ceremonial uniform.

Home Secretary Theresa May raised the threat from “substantial” to “severe” — the second-highest level — in August because of the danger posed by Islamic State and al Qaeda fanatics.

The Queen’s Guard are fully trained soldiers who have typically served in Afghanistan. They stand on sentry duty for two hours at a time.

PTI