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More than 800 "jihadists" arrive in Germany over past four years — Russian General Staff

"The situation remains tense in the Islamic diaspora dwelling areas in Austria, Belgium, France and other West European countries," the Russian military official says

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. More than 800 "jihadists" have arrived in Germany over the past four years, Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Sergei Afanasyev said on Wednesday.

"The terrorist threat level in Europe has significantly increased, which is caused primarily by the return of militants from ‘hot spots’ to their homeland; they are ready to use the gained experience. Over the past four years, more than 800 jihadists have arrived in Germany alone. The situation remains tense in the Islamic diaspora dwelling areas in Austria, Belgium, France and other West European countries", Afanasyev said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

According to the General Staff representative, the flow of refugees from the armed conflict-affected regions of Africa and the Middle East poses a real threat of destabilization of the situation in European countries. Supporters of radical Islam or "outspoken terrorists" penetrate into European countries under the guise of migrants, Afanasyev said.

The General Staff reported at the previous conference on security that 600 "jihadists" had arrived in Germany over four years.