A recently published study estimates that there are now between 2,000 and 5,500 foreign jihadists in Syria, and the EU's top terrorism officials have stated that at least 500 of those come from EU countries. Officials fear that these guest warriors are gaining weapons know-how and ties with other extremists, and that they might bring jihad when they return home. AFP
German Jihadists: Officials Fear Return of Syrian War Veterans -- Matthias Gebauer and Raniah Salloum, Spiegel Online
German security officials believe that a number of Germans have teamed up with radical Islamists on the frontlines in Syria. What worries them most are the training and ties they've gained abroad -- and whether they'll continue the jihad once home.
The trail of Ibrahim R. ran cold in March 2013. The young man from the southwestern German town of Pforzheim had already appeared on the radar of the German domestic intelligence agency when he participated in demonstrations with other Salafists in Germany. But then he got on a bus headed for Turkey and disappeared. Authorities suspect he is now fighting in Syria. The police were able to block his first attempt to enter Syria with a group of fellow Muslim extremists. But now they classify him among those who have made their way or are in transit to Syria.
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My Comment: These concerns are justified. Many radical Jihadists have trouble dropping Jihad in favor of a quiet life, regular job, paying taxes, and living with a family in the suburbs.
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