EU militants in Syria threat to Europe: EU official

The EU Home Affairs Chief has warned that European states are at risk of terror attacks from extremists, including EU nationals, fighting in Syria.

Cecilia Malmstrom said that Europeans who travel abroad to fight in combat zone would “become more radicalized in the process.”

“Some of these young men have joined groups with terrorist agendas, they have been trained and hardened in war, and could pose a threat to our security upon their return from a conflict zone. In the longer term they could act as catalysts for terrorism,” she said.

EU officials have become increasingly concerned about the threat that militants fighting in Syria pose to their return to the European countries.

According to reports, some EU intelligence agencies have even held secret meetings with Syrian government officials about their concerns.

The talks involve British, French, German and Spanish spy agencies, reports also said.

The International Center for the Study of Radicalization estimated last month that nearly 2,000 militants from Western Europe are involved in the conflict in Syria.

Crisis has gripped Syria since March 2011.
According to statistics released by the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the crisis.

According to the reports, the Western powers and their regional allies – especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey – are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.