We’ve got interesting figures from the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis in in Belgium (OCAD/OCAM). Of the 100 foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) back on Belgian soil, 75% of males and 90% of females aren’t considered as a serious terrorist threat anymore. On a total of 422 fully identified Belgian FTFs, 130 have left the war. 10 have died subsequently (mostly by committing attacks), and 20 are detained in other countries. Of those back in Belgium, 40 are imprisoned (of whom only 2 women) and of those free, 60% are male.
Most of the FTF who have returned in Belgium, did so early on - i.e. prior to the June 2014 declaration of the caliphate by Islamic State. So their degree of disengagement might not be representative for FTFs eventually returning now.
OCAD/OCAM doesn’t expect a massive return of Belgian FTF anymore. Of the 292 who didn’t come back, 141 were reportedly killed. But in reality, that figure is thought to be significantly higher by now.
In terms of terrorist threat, home grown terrorist fighters are considered a much more important problem in Belgium nowadays than FTFs who have returned. About 50 of these FTF are listed as a possible terrorist threat by OCAD/OCAM, and only 2/3 is currently behind bars.
Returning foreign fighters MIGHT not be a threat
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks