Europol warns of IS terror attacks in Europe

BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses ground in the Middle East, the pattern of its recent terrorist attacks in Europe suggests that it has already adopted new tactics to attack the West, according to a new report published by Europol Friday.
The report titled "Changes in Modus Operandi of IS revisited " prepared by Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre gives an up-to date assessment of the threat this group poses to the EU, on which basis EU Member States can prepare for future attacks.
Currently the EU is facing a range of terrorist threats and attacks: From networked groups to lone actors; attacks directed by IS and those inspired by IS.
Estimates from some intelligence services indicate several dozen people directed by IS may be currently present in Europe with a capability to commit terrorist attacks.
In addition to France and Belgium, all other EU Member States that are part of the US-led coalition against IS may be targeted by terrorists led or inspired by IS.
The most probable scenario is the use of the same modus operandi, including the same types of weapons, used in earlier attacks.
Counter-terrorism experts expect that IS will start planning and dispatching attacks from Libya, says the 14-page report released by Europol based at The Hague.
Europol's Director Rob Wainwright, commented that " today's report shows that the threat is still high and includes diverse components which can be only tackled by even better collaboration." On his part, Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator, warned that "we have to be vigilant, since the threat posed by the so-called Islamic State (IS) and returning foreign fighters is likely to persist in the coming years. " (end) nk.hm