The Organisation for Democracy and Freedom in Syria

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Ribal Al-Assad shares warning over Syrian extremism in Europe

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

British Muslims fighting in Syria’s civil war could return home to carry out terrorist attacks, intelligence chiefs have warned.

Telegraph: James Kirkup

March 26, 2013

There are “hundreds” of Europeans now fighting in Syria, some of whom are with groups linked to al Qaeda, the Home Office has told MPs.

In an annual report on its Contest counter-terrorism strategy, the Home Office warned of the risk to Britain and other European nations posed by foreign fighters now gaining military experience in Syria.

The Home Office warning – based on assessments by British intelligence agencies – comes as ministers debate doing more to arm and support the rebels fighting the regime of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.

The uprising in Syria "has involved many organisations with different political views and tactics; some are connected with and supported by al Qaeda in Iraq,” the Home Office report says.

It adds: "These terrorist groups conducted over 600 attacks in 2012 and, like others associated with al Qaeda, continue to attract recruits from this country and elsewhere in Europe.

"There are now hundreds of foreign fighters from Europe in Syria. As and when UK residents return here there is a risk that they may carry out attacks using the skills that they have developed overseas.”

Britain has sent a variety of equipment to anti-Assad forces, but stopped short of supplying weapons.

A European Union arms embargo currently prevents EU nations supplying lethal weapons to anyone in Syria.

Earlier this month, David Cameron suggested that Britain was willing to defy that ban and arm the rebels.

The Home Office report may raise doubts about such a decision.

The report, presented to Parliament by Theresa May, the Home Secretary, also highlights the risks posed to Britain by terrorists using biological weapons, and those conducting attacks using firearms.

Commenting on the matter Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of ODFS said:

"The notion that European rebels currently fighting in Syria could return to commit attacks at home is a very real and perturbing threat; I urge the international community to take this matter very seriously and monitor developments closely.

“There is a increasingly evident link between some rebel factions and extremist organisations, with this I reiterate my support for a peaceful diplomatic solution and condemn any move to arm Syrian rebels."

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