In its latest report, the Norwegian Intelligence Service concludes that militant Islamism remains the largest terror threat against Norway and its interests.(Photo: Head of Intelligence Lt-Gen Kjell Grandhagen)
The Intelligence Service has presented an evaluation of current terror threats against Norway. "Focus 2013" is the third open report presented by the agency.
The Intelligence Service works to collect information about other countries' military strength, political and social development that could pose a threat to Norway.
Although right-wing extremists can be a threat to Norway, as we saw in the case of Anders Behring Breivik in 2011, the Intelligence Services have concluded that militant Islamism remains the largest threat towards Norwegian interests.
The report also highlights the consequences of Norwegians who travel to Syria to participate in the civil war. This type of training could lead to increased competency in warfare, including the planning and execution of terror attacks, the report states, adding that these warriors may become a threat to Norway once they return.
One of the most profiled, radical Islamists who have taken part in the war in Syria is a member of Profetens Ummah (the Prophet's Ummah), an extreme Islamist group based in Norway.
Another topic that was discussed in the report was the recent terror attack in In Aménas in Algeria. Although the Intelligence Service consider the group behind the attack to have a large network and access to both money and weapons for another attack, they do not consider the threat against Norwegian interests abroad to be specifically directed at Norway, but rather a reflection of Militant Islamists' view of the West in general.
Asia is also on the agency's radar, especially the development in China. The Chinese military's ability to run efficient operations against a technologically strong opponent is getting stronger, according to the report.
(NRK/NTB)
Julie Ryland
