Al Qaeda is at the front of the pack of jihadist groups currently spreading across Europe, and Islamic terrorist cells pose a greater threat to European security than ever, according to a Europol report released in March.
“Terrorist organizations campaigning in third states use the EU as their logistical basis and for funding,” reported Europol. Al Qaeda has established cells in Germany, France, Italy, Britain, the Netherlands and even Switzerland (“EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2007”).
The report also showed that Europol reported nearly 500 terrorist attacks in EU nations in 2006 alone—most in France and Spain. The report also states most terrorists either come from Northern Africa or are current EU citizens who have been radicalized in Europe. Spain, Britain and France are among the nations facing the most danger from Islamic terrorist cells. Spain, besides being the recipient of a deadly attack by al Qaeda in 2004, also houses the largest jihadi recruitment center in Europe.
Meanwhile, France, a nation with a heavy Muslim presence, is now dealing with threats from al Qaeda and its affiliates who seek vengeance for the recent election of “Zionist” Nicolas Sarkozy.
The report also highlighted the strength of al Qaeda’s presence in Algeria, a relatively poor North African nation situated just a few miles from Gibraltar and Spain. Experts fear that the terrorist network is using this North African country to channel funding, not to mention terrorists, into Europe.
Europe has devoted a massive amount of resources to investigating terrorist networks within its borders. The Continent is perilously accessible to radical Muslim strongholds in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Also, a vast Muslim population within Europe can easily hide growing radical groups until it is too late. Al Qaeda and similar organizations eagerly support these smaller groups.
Europe is worried, and with good cause. Radical Islam is growing right in its midst. It is only a matter of time before terrorism rakes European cities, and Europe will feel obliged to respond.