EU Warns of Islamist Sleeper Cells and Radicalized Fighters

The European Union is facing growing concerns about terrorist threats linked to tensions over Iran, Islamist extremism and the consequences of the war in Ukraine, according to a leaked EU Council report cited by the Unian news agency.

Security services are warning of the possible activation of pro-Iranian sleeper cells in European countries with larger Muslim and Jewish communities.

Brussels considers the Afghan branch of the Islamic State (IS), known as IS-Khorasan, to be one of the greatest external threats. Online propaganda on Telegram and TikTok targeting minors is a particular concern, with the EU warning that extremist groups are increasingly recruiting teenagers as young as 12.

The report also warns of the possible proliferation of weapons from the war in Ukraine and the return of radicalized fighters to Europe. Brussels is preparing proposals to restrict the entry of some former Russian soldiers into the Schengen area.

(mja)