Aussies warned as new terror threat rises

Australians are being warned a popular European travel destination is facing a stark new terrorism risk, with the threat of an attack now declared “substantial”.

The Dutch domestic security service raised its terror threat level for the Netherlands to “Level Four” from five possible levels last week, warning ISIS and al-Qaeda linked extremists were exploiting tensions around the Israel-Gaza war to urge sympathisers to launch attacks.

“Over the past few months the terrorist threat has increased to such an extent that the threat level has been raised to 4,” the National Coordinator for Counter-terrorism and Security said.

“This means that there is a realistic possibility that an attack will take place in the Netherlands.”

Dutch intelligence also flagged burnings of the Koran, the Holy book of Islam, in parts of Europe as possible triggers leading to an attack.

“The jihadist-inspired terrorist threat to the Netherlands is on the rise,” the security office states in its note.

“Organisations like ISIS and al Qaida are using the war in Gaza to urge sympathisers to carry out attacks in the West.

“These organisations are also calling for attacks in retaliation for acts of desecration to the Koran in various European countries.

“Given this context, individuals or small groups within the jihadist movement may feel inspired to commit acts of violence.

“These events have had a mobilising effect not only on Dutch jihadists but also on radical Islamists outside the jihadist movement.

Source » yahoo.com