Spy chief: 170 German Islamists have gone to Syria

Top intelligence official fears some extremists may return home with plans for terror attacks

Free Syrian Army fighters at Jabal al-Zaweya, in Idlib province, Syria. February 27, 2013 (photo credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Free Syrian Army fighters at Jabal al-Zaweya, in Idlib province, Syria. February 27, 2013 (photo credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Germany’s domestic spy chief says at least 170 Islamic extremists have traveled to Syria from Germany and some are thought to be actively participating in the fighting.

Hans-Georg Maassen told Deutschlandfunk radio in an interview broadcast Sunday that about 50 extremists have gone from Germany to Syria in recent months alone.

The head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution says he is concerned that some of these extremists may return to Germany with plans for terror attacks.

German security agencies claim to have foiled a number of planned attacks by Islamic extremists in recent years.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.