Islamic State Threatens Champions League Quarter-Finals with Terrorist Attacks
The terrorist group known as the "Islamic State" has issued a threat against the upcoming quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The pattern of recent Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Europe suggests the group has adopted new tactics to attack the West while losing ground in the Middle East, Europol has said.
„In addition to France and Belgium, all other EU Member States that are part of the US-led coalition against IS may be targeted by terrorists led or inspired by IS,“ it notes n a statement sent to the media introducing its new report, titled Changes in Modus Operandi of IS Revisited and released by Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) on Friday.
“Further attacks in the EU, both by lone actors and groups, are likely to be attempted. Estimates from some intelligence services indicate several dozen people directed by IS may be currently present in Europe with a capability to commit terrorist attacks.”
Attackers in the EU may resort to use of car bombs, extortion and kidnappings, which they already use in Syria and Iraq, while Libya may become a base for IS to dispatch attacks.
The return rate among foreign fighters may increase if IS is defeated or severely weakened, Europol also notes.
Elements of the Syrian refugee diaspora may be vulnerable to radicalization once in Europe and may be targeted by extremist recruiters.
„Currently the EU is facing a range of terrorist threats and attacks: from networked groups to lone actors; attacks directed by IS and those inspired by IS; the use of explosives and automatic rifles as well as bladed weapons and vehicles; and carefully prepared attacks alongside those that seem to be carried out spontaneously.“
“The so-called Islamic State has proven to be very effective in inspiring people to commit terrorist acts and in setting attacks in motion themselves.“
“Nevertheless today’s report shows that the threat is still high and includes diverse components which can be only tackled by even better collaboration," Europol Director Rob Wainwright is quoted as saying.
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