Intel officials believe risk of terrorists using refugee crisis to carry out attacks low in US, but high in Western Europe. Do you agree?

2015-11-28T19:02:04-05:00

No... I do not believe this at all...

U.S. intelligence officials believe the risk of Islamic terrorists using the refugee crisis to infiltrate the U.S. and carry out a terrorist attack is low, but the chance of it happening in Western Europe is high.

The problem lies in the scale of the European migration and gaps in biometric technology in Mediterranean border areas. Few of those points are equipped with real-time fingerprint scanners, causing delays in identification of possible terrorists through prints, according to intelligence briefings reviewed by NBC News.

Mobile fingerprint technology linked to central databases — used by the Coast Guard to identify illegal migrants at sea since 2006 — is now being sold or given to Mediterranean countries coping with the crush of refugees.

The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have hardware and software — such as the PISCES system — to help foreign countries screen and target terrorists and foreign fighters.

Intelligence officials are using a system called the Forced Migration Analysis Tool to track the movements of refugees and identify security concerns. They are particularly worried about the flow into four countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy.

Some 380,000 migrants have arrived in Europe this year, double the number in 2014; Germany alone will see its population of 80 million increase by 1 percent because of the influx.

Of the Syrians pouring into Europe, 70 percent are young men ages 15 to 30, an added challenge for officials looking at that demographic for possible terrorists who might try to exploit the migrant flow.

Intelligence briefings note that the threat in Europe was known well before the attacks in Paris last week.

In February, the European Union's border control agency, Frontex, reported that extremists were being smuggled in on those routes and In April, ISIS boasted it was loading migrant boats with its operatives.

In May, a Moroccan man who traveled to Italy in a migrant boat was arrested for helping mount the deadly ISIS-linked attack on Tunisia's Bardo Museum. Months later, Bulgaria detained five men who posed as refugees in an attempt to cross the border and had ISIS propaganda, including decapitation videos, on their phones.

Not cited in the briefings was a newer incident in which five Syrians holding bogus Greek passports were nabbed in Honduras, allegedly on their way to the United States. Honduran authorities said they don't believe the men had any connection to terrorism and were just seeking to emigrate.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/intel-officials-migrant-risk-high-europe-low-u-s-n465846

Intel Officials: Migrant Risk High in Europe, Low in U.S.

The crush of refugees and gaps in technology are raising concerns.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 28 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-11-28T19:03:18-05:00

I do not agree MSgt Curtis Ellis with Intel officials who believe the risk of terrorists using the refugee crisis to carry out attacks is low in the USA; but, it is high in Western Europe.
Certainly since France has allowed many Muslim refugees from Algeria, Syria and other former French colonies they have an increased risk. France has essentially allowed ghettos of Muslim immigrants to be established where poverty and unemployment run high. This has fomented unrest and fueled radical wahhabi islam to flourish in certain areas.
One of my Welsh cousins has lived near Paris for 20 plus years. We discuss international affairs periodically - he is more liberal than I am but is still concerned about terrorism from the right and left.
We probably have higher risks in Minnesota and other states with significant Muslim population areas. I recognize that the majority of Muslims in this nation are not terrorists.
Until USA Muslims freely turn in or reveal wahhabi muslim doctrine adherents there will be tension.
I hope that those communities in Minnesota and elsewhere that lost young men to al Shabab in Somalia and later to ISIS in Iraq and Syria will begin to stand up to those in their communities who embrace islamic terror.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-11-28T19:30:02-05:00

Can you cite these intelligence briefings?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 28 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-11-28T23:28:46-05:00

It is low until we start bringing them in by the thousands - then it will be the same as Europe.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 29 at 2015 3:24 AM

2015-11-29T03:24:32-05:00

Somewhat more challenging getting into the US. Europe is a little more open with the Advent of the European Union. Distance can be a great tool to our advantage. Not saying that someone that is truly dedicated won't find a way but coming into the US as a Refugee is probably too much in the Spotlight. I would look for one coming from an Ally country with a clean background coming in thru normal channels with a Visa long before I would sweat the Refugees. Like always in our History the Newest Refugees are the Victims of Nativist Rhetoric.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 29 at 2015 9:23 AM

2015-11-29T09:23:48-05:00

Historically the Atlantic Ocean has made a difference for us. When we eliminate that barrier we will be at greater risk. How much greater, hard to tell. ISIS and others view us as their greatest target. Europe is easier (softer) and has more porous borders so it is easier to hit. We've seen the Charlie Hebdo attack, the thwarted train attack that could have had a very large death toll too and the more recent attack in Paris with 130 dead, hundreds wounded. I have traveled in Europe a lot on business and the train stations and ability to move from country to country with little or no real check is a real security risk. Madrid is a good reminder of that.

It does not take more than a handful of radicals here or there with the intent/motivation/desire to kill a lot of people to wreak havoc. It is unrealistic to think, in light of what has happened and what ISIS has stated their goals to be, to think they will not use any mechanism they can to their advantage. These are people that torture and murder innocents with extreme prejudice. They have a death cult mentality and have no real shortage of people willing to do their bidding right now.

The threat is looming and growing and is not "contained" as the head of our government seems to think. Until and unless they are being decimated and put on the defensive we should assume they are on the offensive which attacks of late seem to indicate. Acting as though they will not come here given any chance it folly.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Nov 29 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-11-29T11:00:20-05:00

This flood of refugees is to good an opertunity for the terrorist to pass up. Who knows how many have flooded into Europe, then eventually to the US.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 29 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-11-29T11:02:41-05:00

Real refugees don't act like this. Throwing rocks and such at trucks, walking down the middle of freeways. This is what we in Europe have to put up with: http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/udland/2015-11-29-lastbilchauffoer-forsoeger-at-koere-flygtninge-af-vejen-maa-springe-for-livet

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Dec 1 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-12-01T23:13:27-05:00

Michigan and Cities Across the USA... THEY ARE HERE... Michigan has fallen!... https://cqrcengage.com/act/app/document/10499226

In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future

Karen Majewski was in such high demand in her vintage shop on a recent Saturday afternoon that a store employee threw up her hands when yet another visitor came in to chat. Everyone wanted to talk to the mayor about the big political news.