Police have been alerted to the possibility that small groups of extremists have left Syria for France and Belgium with plans to stage attacks, but have not raised threat levels, as authorities work to determine how credible the information is.
'Belgian intelligence services'... sent a note to French counterparts about the possible groups, and it was sent to police and anti-terrorism forces across France on Tuesday, a French security official said on Wednesday.
The threat analysis centre said on Wednesday it is keeping Belgium's security alert status at its current level of three out of a possible four, which means the threat is considered serious, possible and probable.
The paper said fighters travelling without passports were believed to be trying to reach Europe by boat via Turkey and Greece. A Brussels shopping centre, an American fast-food chain and police could be among their targets. Belgian authorities said such targets are already under surveillance.
"The information regarding the possibility of a threat emanating from Syria, however, has not yet been verified," said the official. "It is also important to remember that credible intelligence shows there are hundreds of fighters already in Europe ready to strike. They are the real threat."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/groups-of-isis-extremists-have-left-syria-and-are-heading-for-belgium-and-france-a7084006.html
