Terrorists Returning from Syria a “Time Bomb” Threatening Europe – Austrian Minister

VIENNA, (ST)-Austria’s Interior Minister Johanna Mikl Leitner warned of the return of terrorists, who have fought along with armed terrorist groups like ISIL in Syria, to Europe.

Interviewed by the Austrian “Kronen Zeitung” newspaper, the minister described these terrorists as a “time bomb” threatening Austria and entire Europe.

She acknowledged that allowing Austrian terrorists to leave to fight in Syria means the participation in the terrorist activities there.”

“It is not possible to let terrorists leave Austria to fight in Syria just to rid ourselves from their danger and later close the borders before them,” she clarified, stressing that by doing so we are partners in the killing and rape crimes they are committing in Syria. Therefore we have to prevent them from traveling to Syria, stop their activities and fight them.”

Leitner pointed out that Austrian security and government authorities have informed all establishments and important sites like airports to exercise extreme caution and be on high alert to protect the country against any possible terrorist attack.

She reiterated the need to enhance protective measures within the framework of the country’s counter-terrorism policy through disseminating awareness about the danger of extremism and terrorism incitement in the Austrian society.

She also affirmed the importance of uncovering crimes of recruiting young and underage Austrians in terrorist activities, pointing out that it is necessary to prevent those youths from travelling to Syria.

Last Wednesday, Leitner announced that 154 Austrian terrorists have taken part in the fight along with the armed terrorist groups in Syria. 26 of them were killed and 64 returned home and were put under the watch of the Austrian state.

Hamda Mustafa