UK terror threat increased by Daesh losses

The UK terror threat is increasing as Daesh terrorist group loses territory in Syria and Iraq, the security minister has said.

Ben Wallace said extremists were trying to carry out attacks in the UK because they were either unable to join Daesh overseas or had returned from there, the BBC reported on Saturday.

He said Europe was now under "constant attack" from terror groups.

Wallace also warned there needed to be more understanding of the anti-terrorism program Prevent.

It comes after Daesh said it was behind the Barcelona attack on 17 August when a van drove down Las Ramblas, killing 13 and injuring scores more.

The terror group lost its Mosul stronghold to Iraqi forces last month and international efforts to bring down its "capital" Raqqa in Syria continue.

Daesh seized Raqqa in 2014 and established its headquarters there, with former prime minister David Cameron calling it "the head of the snake".

Wallace told BBC Radio 4's Today program: "I think the threat is still increasing, partly driven by the fact Daesh is collapsing in Syria and people are either unable to get out there to fight for Daesh and so they look to do something at home, or also because people have come back and tried to inspire people with their stories and tales of the caliphate.

"I think those two things mean that the threat is to some extent increasing."

The security minister also said it was vital for people to engage with the government's anti-terrorism program, Prevent, which aims to stop people from becoming radicalized.

But he said he disagreed with comments from the police lead for Prevent who said the program should be compulsory.

Source : Mena