EU fears new resurgence of Islamic State terrorism

Fears are growing over the security situation in Syria as the EU, the US, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan move to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist networks in the region.

The issue was raised at a working party on terrorism this week, where officials from the EU’s diplomatic arm, the EEAS, told EU diplomats that ISIS carried out 34 attacks in Syria last month alone, warning that the group retains operational capabilities.

Following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, a major escape of ISIS-linked detainees took place in January from Syria’s al-Hol camp. US intelligence estimates that 15,000-20,000 individuals, including ISIS affiliates, are currently operating in Syria.

“Foreign terrorist fighters represent a major security concern, notably those affiliated with Daesh and located in north-east Syria,” one European Commission spokesperson told Euractiv.

As well as the activities of foreign fighters, Brussels is concerned about the fate of Europeans, said to…