Al-Qaeda base in Syria threatens European countries
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 4, 2013 1:44PM GMT
Western intelligence officials have warned that al-Qaeda-linked terrorists are establishing a base in Syria which threatens Europe.
According to a report published by The New York Times on Tuesday, US officials say the situation may force Washington to take action by either striking the militants operating inside Syria or approaching the Syrian government.
The report says at least 1,200 Europeans and dozens of Americans have gone to Syria to join the fight.
British intelligence sources say more than 300 Britons are now fighting against the government of President Bashar Al-Assad in the Arab country.
The Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism chief, Richard Walton, says there are indications that Britons fighting against the Syrian government are returning from the Middle Eastern country with orders to carry out attacks in European countries.
Andrew Parker, head of Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5, said on November 7 that the UK intelligence service has "seen low hundreds of people from this country go to Syria for periods and come back - some large numbers are still there - and get involved in fighting."
"Syria has become a very attractive place for people to go…; those who support or sympathize with the al-Qaeda ideological message," Parker added.
In May, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said militants from 29 different countries were operating in different parts of the country.
According to statistics compiled by the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions of others displaced due to the turmoil that erupted in Syria in March 2011.
MAM/SS
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
