Concerns expressed by the Security Service over the rapid expansion of Islamic State in Libya should be taken seriously, but not force a change in the country’s current approach, according to experts.
The Malta Security Service (MSS) annual report, tabled in Parliament this week, indicated the threat of IS had moved closer to Malta’s shores far quicker than expected due in part to the security vacuum in Libya.
The report also suggests that the largest threat facing Europe in the near future is the return of foreign fighters from conflicts in Syria and Iraq as well as lone wolves or ‘sleeper cells’ carrying out orders from abroad.
Although there’s no benefit in alarming the public, these statements are always based on concrete evidence the public does not have access to
“Although there’s no benefit in alarming the public, these statements are always based on concrete evidence the public does not have access to,” said Charles Cassar, security chief at Portomaso and a former member of the Special Mobile Unit (later Special Assignment Group).
Mr Cassar, however, believes the manner in which the country has responded to the situation so far has been “perfect” and should not be changed, despite the increased geographical proximity of the threat.
He praised the decision to suspend the Schengen agreement until the end of the year, citing concerns – raised in the MSS report – that IS members could use human trafficking routes to infiltrate Europe.
The report points out there is no evidence of this having taken place yet.
Another security expert who spoke to the Times of Malta but insisted he should not be named agreed that, while the vast majority of those escaping the Middle East were actually fleeing IS, the possibility of others entering Europe through the same means was a credible one.
On the proximity of the threat to Malta, the expert said there was more concern about the paranoia the reports might cause, adding that European countries should nevertheless focus additional attention on Libya in the months to come.
A UN report has warned that IS could be preparing a “retreat zone” in Sirte, on Libya’s Mediterranean coast, as airstrikes on strongholds in Syria and Iraq intensify.
According to its report,the MSS currently has an operation under way aimed at identifying signs of extremism in Malta and is working withoverseas organisations to monitor developments.
The security service is also planning to expand its operations through staff recruitment and improved equipment.
Questions send to the Office of the Prime Minister remained unanswered at the time of writing.
ISIS SUICIDE BOMBERS TO 'GRADUATE' IN LIBYA
Meanwhile, the Libya Herald reported today that Islamic State in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte has invited residents to attend the celebration of the graduation of 85 kids in a ceremony tpday.
The youngsters, the oldest of whom are reported to be 16 years old and described in the IS statement as the “Caliphate Cubs”, are said to be trained in the suicide attacks, arms shooting and booby-trapping.
Meanwhile, Sirte news agency has reported that a medium-size ship docked at the city’s port yesterday and unloaded a shipment which contained a considerable number of foreign fighters and weapons.
A source close to the agency reported that some Palestinians were among the foreign nationalities.
Many reports have surfaced recently reporting an “exodus” of IS fighters from Syria and Iraq fearing of the increased airstrike by the international coalition and have chosen Libya as a new haven zone and base for their activities.