European countries have intensified their security measures amid fears of potential attacks during the Christmas season that could disrupt New Year's celebrations. They have announced a heightened state of security alert and tightened security protocols at vital centers to prevent any terrorist attacks. Between proactive measures, the arrest of lone wolves planning terrorist operations, monitoring of Brotherhood hotspots, and surveillance of certain organizations and associations, Europe is making significant efforts to combat extremism.
The emergence of the new variant "Omicron" has resulted in a balance between increased caution and security measures in the aging continent that is struggling with a rise in COVID-19 cases, having become a hotspot for the pandemic. European capitals have witnessed intensified patrols, installation of security barriers, and the presence of police in main streets and public places, while maintaining a high alert level.
**Home-made Explosives**
In a preventive move, Britain has stated it is seeking to reduce the risks associated with chemicals, specifically common household cleaning products that could be repurposed to prevent terrorists from converting them into explosives. According to the "Daily Mail," the British Home Office is investigating how to minimize the risks of chemicals such as bleaching agents and disinfectants used in homemade bombs, similar to the attack at Manchester Arena that resulted in the deaths of 22 people.
The Manchester Arena bombing occurred in May 2017 during a concert by pop singer Ariana Grande, involving a homemade bomb that resulted in numerous casualties. Philip Ingram, an explosives expert and former colonel in the British military intelligence, stated, "It is alarming how many substances can be easily transformed into something horrific." He explained that "the compound used in the Manchester Arena blast - triacetone triperoxide - can be made from chemicals that have no relation to explosives by themselves, but if you combine them in the right order, you can turn everyday household chemicals into highly explosive materials."
Ingram emphasized that "counter-terrorism measures require stores and businesses to report any suspicious transactions or large thefts of materials that could be used to make bombs." The Home Office commented, "We have been working with the Department for Business to develop safer alternative materials to address emerging threats. We have strict controls in place for access to explosive toxins and stringent licensing for the most dangerous substances."
**Stabbing Wolves**
On Wednesday, French authorities charged two 23-year-olds with terrorism for planning knife attacks inspired by extremists against crowded public places during the Christmas period. The General Directorate for Internal Security arrested the two men in late November at different locations outside Paris based on information received regarding an imminent attack. According to a judicial source familiar with the case, the suspects were charged with terrorism, confirming information reported by "Le Parisien," where they planned to attack individuals in shopping centers, universities, and streets during Christmas.
The source noted that the two men were discussing where they would "attain martyrdom after being killed by police," explaining that the scheme was "inspired by extremists."
**Significant Rise**
For nearly six years, the aging continent has witnessed a significant rise in stabbing incidents, some of which were deadly terrorist attacks that claimed many lives, while others involved individuals described as "lone wolves." According to a study by the "European Observatory on Extremism," these attacks are the result of "weak security ties" between European countries, as intelligence capabilities vary widely among the 27 EU member states.
It explained that Europe is located near terrorist bases, making it more vulnerable to infiltration, whether internally due to the lack of border checks across 26 countries or through migrant routes used by tens of thousands of people each year.
**A Fertile Season for Terrorism**
Sociologist at the American University, Said El-Sadek, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of Omicron will lead to precautionary measures and restrictions on gatherings in Europe, making it difficult for a major terrorist attack to occur. However, he confirmed that Europe will remain at the top of terrorist targets, whether from Al-Qaeda or ISIS, particularly due to its role in the international coalition and the significant blows it deals to extremist organizations, both in the Middle East and Africa.
El-Sadek added, in statements to "Sky News Arabia," that the increase in military strikes against terrorist organizations significantly boosts their reliance on "lone wolves" for stabbing operations and other methods to carry out terrorist acts to affirm their presence and continuity. He highlighted that the holiday season is a "fertile terrorist season" during which extremist organizations intensify their operations, and they might have exploited the recovery from COVID-19 and a return to pre-2020 conditions, but the emergence of Omicron will return the aging continent to lockdowns.
He pointed out that ISIS relies on lone wolf operations because even competent security agencies cannot predict these attacks, representing a significant challenge for them.
