Senior gardaí concerned over return to Ireland of Syria fighters

Senior gardaí are concerned at the potential threat posed by Irish fighters returning from Syria and Iraq as the assault on Islamic State (IS) intensifies.

The concern is part of a fear across the European Union, with reports from top EU terrorism officials of an increase in returning fighters in recent months, one that is expected to accelerate with the offensives against Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

“There is certainly a fear,” said one Irish security source, “it’s a fear right across Europe, for all police and security forces.”