Threat from Syria endangers Europe, US — Holder

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder called on European nations Tuesday to deal more aggressively with the threat posed by the thousands of Westerners who have traveled to Syria to join the fighting there.

In a speech for Norwegian diplomats in Oslo, Holder encouraged European countries to pass laws that make it illegal to prepare for or plan an act of terrorism; to conduct undercover operations to identify individuals planning a trip to Syria; to better share information and data with the US and other countries about foreign fighters; and to develop programmes to counter radical extremism.

“This is a global crisis in need of a global solution. The Syrian conflict has turned that region into a cradle of violent extremism,” Holder said in his speech, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. “But the world cannot simply sit back and let it become a training ground from which our nationals can return and launch attacks. And we will not.”

The speech, at the US ambassador’s residence, comes amid growing concerns about citizens from the United States and Europe who are travelling to Syria to join the fight against the Syrian government. US officials fear those individuals, who are able to travel without visas between the United States and Europe, could easily return home radicalised and apply terrorist training received while in Syria.

Intelligence officials believe there are roughly 7,000 foreign fighters in Syria, including dozens of Americans, the attorney general said. In May, a 22-year-old man from Florida carried out a suicide bombing mission in Syria. A Colorado woman who authorities say was intent on waging jihad in the Middle East was arrested in April as she boarded a flight she hoped would ultimately get her to Syria, according to court documents unsealed last week.

The speech reflects the belief among US officials that the threat posed by the fighting in Syria is spread among the United States and Europe.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson recently ordered the Transportation Security Administration to call for extra security measures at some international airports with direct flights to the United States. American intelligence officials said earlier this week that they have picked up indications that bomb makers from Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula have travelled to Syria to link up with Al Qaeda affiliate there.

Holder called on European countries to adopt statutes similar to one in the United States — and, more recently, in France and Norway — that make it illegal to provide support for terrorists or to plan acts of terrorism.

He also said European law enforcement should follow the lead of the FBI in designing undercover operations to catch individuals before they depart for Syria. And he encouraged European nations to do better in sharing information on foreign fighters, including through Interpol.

Holder was discussing the situation in Syria in meetings this week with government officials in Norway, including Prime Minister Erna Solberg. He was also expected to talk about it during meetings in London later this week with attorneys general from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.