Around 250 British jihadists have returned to the UK after training
and fighting in Syria, a senior Whitehall security official told the
Sunday Times. Security services are monitoring the “extremist tourists”,
fearing they might carry out attacks at home.
Ministers have been informed that more than 400 Britons went to
Syria to engage in militant activities, and
“Well over half
of those who traveled out have come back,” the official told
the Times.
Senior security officials say the number of
“returnees”
is now five times the previously reported figure, highlighting
the growing threat of so–called ‘extremist tourists’ going to
warzones and returning home hardened militants.
"For some, their jihad is done, others will help others
travel to Syria, while others will raise funds for
fighting," the Whitehall source said.
The security services are said to be closely monitoring the 250
returnees, who include several veteran hardliners who have fought
in Afghanistan or Pakistan. Many others have participated in
combat or received training in munitions or other skills
applicable to terror operations, with some exhibiting a
willingness to carry out attacks in the UK, security officials
cited in the report said.
“There are a few hundred people going out there. They may be
injured or killed, but our biggest worry is when they return they
are radicalized, they may be militarized, they may have a network
of people that train them to use weapons,” London police
chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe told the paper.
Note EU-Digest: more
attention needs to be given by the EU Commission, the EU Parliament and
member state Governments as to some of the "sermons" preached by
Islamic Imams and Preachers - especially those who discuss political
issues and matters which are inflammatory and have nothing to do with
religion.
Read more: Op-Edge
