FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Cells linked to Iran have infiltrated the heart of the continent, exploiting diplomatic cover for espionage and planning attacks. As political Islam threatens the stability of the Middle East, the risk of hybrid warfare is knocking on Europe's doors through radical Shiite networks...
Italy's Supreme Defense Council has sounded the alarm: there are cells linked to Iran that could be active in Europe. The institution emphasizes that the crisis in the Middle East and the war in Iran warn of the risk of hybrid warfare and terrorism.
Although the groups usually attributed to attacks in Europe are Sunni, Stefano Piazza - journalist and terrorism expert - believes there is also terrorism of Shiite origin, linked to Iranians, that should be kept under close watch.
This network has already demonstrated its presence in several European countries. However, the conflict against Iran has not activated the Sunni Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, because this is not their war. By attacking the Sunni Gulf countries, Tehran is being viewed with a critical eye in the Muslim world.
So much so that Hamas itself has asked the Ayatollahs' regime to stop attacks on sister countries. Meanwhile, an explosion damaged a Jewish school in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Italy is raising the alarm for new terrorist attacks. Is there a Shiite terrorist attack linked to Iran?
The threat of terrorism, whether Shiite or Sunni, is ever-present. In a context like the war in Iran, individual acts of revenge against Muslims affected by the conflict are not ruled out.
Sunni terrorism can be activated even without directly attacking a Sunni country. It is enough that it is Islamic. In general, Iran is the largest exporter of terrorism in the world, because it finances Hezbollah, Hamas and several groups in South America.
The networks of the IRGC and the Quds Force are very present in Europe and can be activated for violent operations. Currently, they monitor the Iranian diaspora, threaten and organize kidnappings.
Where have their activities been reported in Europe?
In Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. They have dangerous elements in their ranks who intimidate, threaten and sometimes plan terrorist attacks. Some of them have been prevented and were woven by Iranian groups.
For example, in Sweden, they tried to kill spectators at a concert. This network has been around for a long time. The Americans have spoken several times about Hezbollah weapons depots scattered across Europe.
So, pro-Iranian militias are also active in Europe?
Yes. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Islamic State and Al-Qaeda cells are present. When we talk about terrorist acts, many of them are linked to Hezbollah and the Quds Force. In Iranian embassies in EU countries, there are officials who often deal only with espionage.
Is there an increase in tension on fundamentalist sites following the US attack on Iran?
The Islamic State, ISIS, is not very interested in this event. Their latest magazine on the dark web deals mainly with Africa. It says nothing about Iran, because it hates the Shiite regime there and does not feel it is its war.
Al-Qaeda is a little more interested, but it doesn't feel involved either. By attacking the Sunni countries of the region, Iran is losing a lot of support. Hamas - Sunni, but financed by Tehran - has asked it not to attack its Gulf brothers. The Iranians are being accused of a serious crime: as a result of their attacks, other Muslims die, including children.
Is there any specific risk for Italy?
The risk of terrorist attacks instigated by the regime in Tehran affects us all. There is a fear that the current war could become uncontrollable. The transfer of the contingent of Italian troops from the Erbil base to Iraq will take time.
It cannot happen immediately. It does not seem like a message to Iran, but rather a defensive maneuver to stay out of the war, even though Italy is an ally of the United States. Italy does not want to face such a big problem at such a delicate stage./ Prepared by Pamphlet by “Il Sussidiario”
Lini një Përgjigje