Sick terror groups are instructing new recruits to spread coronavirus for Jihad attacks, according to authorities in Russia.
Head of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Anti-Terrorism Centre, Andrei Novikov, said units were recruiting "Jihad soldiers".
He added that they are being told to spread Covid-19 in public places.
The disease has sparked a global pandemic and has killed more than 500,000 since it emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of last year.
But according to Russian intelligence, it could be exploited by terror units.
Novikov said: "While governments are trying to ensure health security, focusing on protecting the lives and health of their people, recruiters of international terrorist groups are not just taking advantage of the difficult situation in order to recruit more ‘Jihad soldiers,’ they are calling on infected members to spread COVID-19 as wide as possible in public places, state agencies and so on."
e added: "Accordingly, countries that have effective systems to control the epidemiological situation, identify the infected and treat the sick are in the best position."
He added that such a move marks a new psychological threat, reports Tass.
Earlier today, it emerged that schools, offices and hospitals in the UK have been urged to rehearse for terror attacks following a stabbing in Reading that left three people dead.
The advice booklet published by Gov.uk says: "Defending your organisation against a marauding terrorist attack is undoubtedly a challenging task.
"However, with well developed procedures, security systems, training and rehearsal, lives can be saved."
It continues: "Rehearsing the response to a marauding terrorist attack is the only way to ensure that the procedures and technical systems function as expected and to highlight areas for improvement," the advice says.
"Rehearsals are also key in preparing security and front-line personnel since the actions required of them during an attack do not form part of their usual duties.
"Testing components and later full integration of your procedures using practical rehearsals will highlight real-world issues and areas for further improvement."
