EU- Expert: Hundreds of Europeans Fighting in Syria

LONDON,(ST)_ The EU’s anti-terror chief Gilles de Kerchove  said  that five  hundred Europeans are now fighting with terrorist  forces in Syria

Intelligence agencies are concerned some could join groups linked to al-Qaeda and later return to Europe to launch terrorist attacks.

The UK, Ireland and France are among the EU countries estimated to have the highest numbers of fighters in Syria.

“Not all of them are radical when they leave, but most likely many of them will be radicalised there, will be trained,” de Kerchove told the BBC on Wednesday.

“And as we’ve seen this might lead to a serious threat when they get back.”

Across Europe, intelligence agencies have stepped up investigations.

In Britain and Belgium they have increased efforts to track how people are recruited.

In the Netherlands, officials have raised the terror threat level there to “substantial” – partly over concerns about radicalised citizens returning from Syria.

It is estimated that the largest number of European fighters in Syria came from  Britain, Ireland and France.

A study conducted by the International Center for Studies on extremism at King’s College in London this month revealed that the number of Europeans who have joined the armed groups in Syria has up to 600 people

The study was conducted by the International Center for Studies on extremism at King’s College in London this month revealed that number of Europeans who have joined the armed groups in Syria may increase  to 600  persons.

T. Fateh