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A pro-government Mali fighter. Photo: DPA

Security officials warn of growing terror threat

Published: 29 Jan 13 10:38 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/national/20130129-47621.html

German security officials are concerned the country's support for France's fight against Islamists in Mali has increased the risk of terrorist attack, according to a newspaper report.

Citing a classified government report, the daily Bild said on Tuesday that the authorities were worried a radicalized individual or small group could target German interests both at home and abroad.

The paper said around 50 members of Germany's militant Islamist scene had travelled to terrorist training camps in 2012 alone. They are thought to have received training from the terror network al-Qaeda on how to plan attacks as "autonomous cells" in Germany.

Another 100 German Islamists are estimated to have already received paramilitary training, and half of that group had returned to Germany, paper said. The classified report said the militants included many German converts to radical Islam.

The authorities' concern about terrorist attacks is growing despite Berlin's refusal to send combat troops to Mali.

Germany has instead increased its logistical support for its French allies in piecemeal fashion. Berlin this week agreed to send a third Transall transport airplane and boost its shipments of equipment to support the French campaign.

The Local/mry

What do you think? Leave your comment below.


Your comments about this article:

12:55 January 29, 2013 by raandy
If you are not part of the solution than you are part of the problem.
14:09 January 29, 2013 by Bulldawg82
Comment removed by The Local for breach of our terms.
15:06 January 29, 2013 by Eric1
Tolerance of evil begets more evil.
15:07 January 29, 2013 by delvek
meh, well said bulldawg
15:10 January 29, 2013 by Staticjumper
I always thought that if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the condensate.
17:45 January 29, 2013 by McM
Ah, more alarmists letting off steam!
21:00 January 29, 2013 by Leo Strauss
Winston: Terrorists in Mali?! But I don`t understand, Al-Qaeda is our ally. They fought for us in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Libya and even now are on our side against the evil dictator Assad in Syria.

O`Brien: No Winston, we have always been at war with Al-Qaeda.
08:37 January 30, 2013 by Englishted
@ Leo Strauss,

Who are Winston and O'Brian?
13:56 January 30, 2013 by Leo Strauss
@ Englishted

Flatmates in Britain`s "Big Brother". ;)
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