ISIS-K threat during India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match prompts increased security in New York

Security has been stepped up in New York after terror group ISIS-K made a “global” threat year against the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match featuring India and Pakistan.

According to a report by CNN, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J Ryder said the event first received an ISIS-K-linked threat in April which was followed by more specific threats on the India versus Pakistan game, scheduled for June 9. He added that the threats also had references to a viral video circulating online, which calls for “that lone wolf to act out.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told CNN that they take every threat seriously and have been coordinating security efforts with federal partners, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and “other law enforcement and homeland security and intelligence agencies.”

“There will be teams from all over the world coming in. There will be fans from all over the world coming to Nassau County… we have been meeting for well over six months on a regular basis to talk about security concerns, which could potentially arise at any kind of event of this magnitude,” he added.

ICC T20 World CupWork continues on a temporary stadium being constructed for the Cricket World Cup in East Meadow, New York. (Photo: AP)

Speaking about the event, the county police commissioner said that this was the largest security that they have had to deal with in the county’s history. “I can guarantee you this — the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9th will be inside that stadium,” Ryder told CNN.

ISIS-K was the militant outfit that had claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow’s famous Crocus City Hall in March, killing at least 143 people. The group emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, and is currently one of the most active ISIS-affiliates.